Part Nine:

"'Save the cheerleader, save the world' ... Have I been saved, or do I still need saving?"

"You are saved for the time being."

- Claire, the Haitian (Godsend)

I walk into Biology and take my seat. Other students drift in, chatting with their neighbors. I glance at the obviously vacant seat beside me. It wasn't like Edward to miss class. It wasn't a sunny day so I doubted he was off hiking with his family. Could he possibly be sick? It was hard to picture. Edward just seems so…. Was invincible the word I was searching for? No, more like the walls he surrounds himself with couldn't possibly have been over run by something as common and trivial as germs.

I pull out my Biology text book to set on the table.

Whatever, who cares what he is up to. I don't. I'm not wondering why he left me to do the lab alone-

I pause, realizing I had set my textbook on some materials for the day's lab. Right, the lab…. I set my book to the side and examine the items set out before class by Mr. Banner.

What was this? Two band aids and needles? Two clear new slides and the microscope?

Oh crap, I think I could guess what today's lab was.

"Today class, we will be blood typing." Mr. Banner says. Some students groan while others nudge their neighbors in a teasing manner and make bad jokes. Mr. Banner scowls from the head of the classroom and the students quiet themselves meekly. He proceeds to give us a refresher on the different blood types. Then he writes the instruction for the lab on the board.

I would be paying attention but, okay I'm not. Seriously, blood typing, how could I have forgotten? We were doing the lab now because the materials came in a couple days ago. Mr. Banner had mentioned that we'd do the lab when they did. How could I have forgotten?

Oh, right, because I'm too busy having my ear talked off by Jessica, sticking glowing stars on my ceiling, obsessing over my ability and my intriguingly, obnoxious, too smart for both our own good yet charismatic lab partner who thinks he is the wise old man on the mountain or whatever.

I really need to get my head on straight. What was the first thing I thought about at school today? Edward, I thought of Edward first and not what today might give my secret away. I mean really, it isn't that hard. Act natural, blend in, and above all don't draw attention to yourself.

Yep, I had been doing a fantastic job.

I crinkle my nose up as I consider the prospect. With this lab I'm going to have prick myself with a needle and squeeze my finger to get enough blood to put on a slide to examine under the microscope. What if someone notices my healing ability?

I take a calming breath. I'm overreacting again. No one is going to notice. Edward isn't even here in class today. I can just do the lab and no one will be the wiser.

Of course, what if my blood shows something unusual? What if…?

Is it worth the risk? I can just do it, check it before Mr. Banner does. If I see anything unusual I can always pretend to get sick, nauseous of blood or something, leave for the nurse and dispose of the slide. Besides Mr. Banner is only a high school science teacher. What could he notice that would give me away? But I am only a student so what would I know?

The other students are already doing it, giggling as they stab themselves with needles. I finger my own needle then look at the tip of my left hand pointer finger. I position it carefully, hesitating on going through with it. To the outside observer it would just look like I do not like the sight of blood. What they would not know is that more lies in this than what first appears, kind of like the theory Edward s-

I shake my head decisively once and set the needle down. I can't do it. I can't take the risk. I wouldn't be the first that has skipped on this class I'm sure. If anyone asks I'll just say I have a fear of needles or something. I need to be more careful and this is a step in that direction.

I request to use the ladies room. Nobody notices that I take my bag with me. No one saw that I had no intention of coming back. Not even Mike who is chortling by a green looking Eric who I suspect will be taking a trip to the nurse's office shortly.

I hurry down the hall. I'll have to remain out of sight until the next period. It wouldn't be good to have a staff member see me strolling the halls and not in class. For a moment I consider to take refuge in the music room. It seemed like a quite, pleasant sort of place. But I figure that there is probably a class going on now. I could actually go to the nurse as a cover up but the whole idea of anyone prodding at me, taking my temperature etcetera makes me nervous.

I don't care; people can assume I'm a skipper. I go outside and sit on a cold, metal, bench right in front of the parking lot. I lean against the brick building behind me. I try to pull the length of my sweatshirt down further to have less contact between myself and the bench. I scrape my sneakers around on the concrete, dragging the bit of dirt and sand there into little piles then spreading it back out again. I sigh.

I rub my arms, wishing I had my coat from my locker. I can't really go back in now. I hug my arms to my chest. Maybe I could sit at the picnic benches across the way like before. That would be better than sitting so glaringly obvious right in front of the school.

There is my truck. I could go sit in it. I get up and start to make my way over there. Too bad the heater in it doesn't work very well. I have to get the engine going for bit to really start to warm it up. I really needed to get that fixed. I could ask Jacob about that but then again, as Edward had pointed out the other day, the truck was old.

It is only overcast today, though it looks like it could start raining at any moment, this being Forks and all. I gaze around as a slight breeze flutters through my blonde hair, wisps dancing across my vision. It seems odd to have it so quiet, dead. I seem to be the only one out here. Even the main road close by is silent.

The wind picks up, blowing some leaves by the picnic tables across the parking lot. I follow their progress. I blink once; slightly surprised by the silver vehicle they stop by. Edward's Volvo is parked a few spaces away from mine. I could see a figure. Was that…Edward? He had his eyes closed as he leaned back in his seat.

So he wasn't sick, I think. Why was he skipping class? What was he doing in there anyways?

Without even thinking about it I walk over and tap on his window. He opens his eyes slowly and turns his head to the side to look at me, him not looking even the slightest bit surprised that I am here. He rolls down his window, his eyes never leaving my face. "Claire?" That soft, sensual voice comes out; harmonizing with the classical music floating from the speakers, warm sounding…

Wait, sensual, did I just think that! That thought is immediately being locked away with my whole 'sparks fly' theory where I fully intend to lose the key to!

I shift from one foot to the other. "Why aren't you in class?" I really wasn't sure what I was doing. I hate it when people poke into my business but yet here I am doing the same thing.

"I could ask you the same." He grinned at me and I gave him a pointed look.

"Skipping occasionally is healthy Claire." He said as way of an answer.

I felt a little thrill go up my back as he said my name again. I squash it.

A weight settles on me. I feel like I should probably explain why I'm skipping too; especially since I was just asking him, that and the expectant look he is giving me.

"I'm afraid of needles." I say lamely, coloring slightly. Of course he has to raise his stupid eye brow up at me. I tuck my arms in closer around me. A drop of rain hits the side of my cheek. I look up at the sky, knowing it was going to start down pouring any second.

"Here," Edward leans across his car to open the passenger door. "Get in."

I hesitate. Edward seems nice, a little off sometimes but…

"Claire, you're going to get all wet." He stares at me with those eyes and I can practically feel myself giving. I hate it when he plays the eye card. I think he knows exactly what effect it has on normal girls even though he acts oblivious. I'm half tempted to reject the offer when Angela's poking and chiding float through my memory; not that it would prove much now considering nobody is out here except us.

I consider for a moment. My hand moves at my side of its own volition and I clench it into a fist back by my side. I do, I realize, want to go in; not just because it seems like a more comfortable option than sitting out in the rain. It is just that I can't. No, won't. I want to but…

I walk around to the passenger side, putting my hand on the handle. An image flashes through my mind, of me putting my hand on another car door, getting inside, driving away; doing something unthinkable… No, not everyone was going to be like him. I had gotten into a car with Peter didn't I? But after Brody, Jackie, Sylar, my dad, everything, how can I? How?

Edward looks at me curiously from the other side of the car, waiting. My breathe catches in my throat. He is not using his, what the freshmen girls dubbed as his "dazzling" eyes. No, right now his eyes hold some kind of warmth that promises refuge, a comforting presence beckoning me near. It may be all in my imagination but this once, I'll take it. Breathing in deeply, fortifying myself with my heart speeding up I open the door all the way for me to slip inside.

The seat is leather and very comfortable; I sink into it. The air feels thick except for the receding draft from the window Edward is now rolling up. His eyes slide to me momentarily then away again. I could have sworn they had looked darker. He turns the heat on, aiming the vents in my direction with none towards him. Then he adjusts the volume on his built in stereo turning it from a soft trickle to a more steady flow. He gazes out, looking thoughtful like he does in class. I follow his gaze.

The pavement is speckled, quickly darkening from the drizzle. The clouds have opened up to wash the earth clean. Rain is pattering against the wind shield, blending with the music coming from the speakers.

I smile in recognition. "Clair de Lune."

"You like Debussy?" He looked slightly surprised, his eyes now giving me their full attention.

"Uh, yeah," I nod then wipe the droplets from before off my face with the hem of my sleeve. "My mom used to play it and compilations a lot when I was little, while she was cooking or cleaning. I don't know how much she actually liked it or if she really believed all those magazine articles she read about studies that show playing classical music makes children smarter." A hint of smile tugs at the corner of my mouth. "Though, I wasn't really into that stuff back then. She even tried to get me to take lessons but I was more interested in skipping rope, practicing cartwheels and making lemonade stands with friends; you know, that kind of thing."

"Something about music is so timeless. One song can bring you back to a certain memory, a time, a place." I whisper quietly, almost to myself.

Like an old movie reel, snap shots of my childhood in my Texan neighborhood play through my head. Jackie deciding we were going to have the best lemonade stand in the whole neighborhood; while I was be delegated to the manual labor she had the "tough, important directing position; then both of us debating (arguing) about who got to be the princess and who would play the prince, both of us trying to break the other jumping record at skip rope.

I prop up my head with my hand, my elbow on the car door side as I reminisced. I smile softly thinking back to my old house in Texas. I remembered mother humming off key to the music as she made dinner. Lyle would be asleep, and for once, quiet and not trying to check if the furniture was edible. The sun would be shining through the kitchen window where we had planted flowers in an old egg carton box to grow in the window seal. Mother would lift me up so I could see their growth progress and help water them.

I was shorter then, only reaching her waist. Everything seemed so much bigger back then, wide, unexplored, like a wrapped present just waiting for me. Now I was looking for the receipt to take to customer service.

Edward is just thoughtfully watching me.

Oh dear God…Why don't I duct tape my mouth shut? That way I have to think about what I'm going to say before I do. He just asked me if I liked it, Debussy that is. I didn't have to give him some back story he isn't going to care about. What was it about this guy that made me forget myself? Did I have to spill my guts like that?

"What do think about it now?" He gently urges, not acting annoyed or bored at all. But then, he may just be very polite.

Flushing a bit more and not just from the heat I mutter: "Yeah, sure. I guess I'm more into it now. " I don't elaborate further.

He grins, trying to get me out of my awkwardness. "So you never were a fan of Ke$ha?"

I give him a dark look. "You knew I wasn't."

He just laughs silently for a second before his eyes drift off again. "You don't have to be embarrassed or afraid to be yourself. People are more interesting when they aren't faking."

Nope, I'm not blushing or anything right now. It is really the heater. He has it up way too high.

"Is it is too hot in here?" Edward adjusts the knob. I don't disagree.

"You know what I think?" He turns to me.

"You should know by now I don't." I give a faint smile.

"For some, music is the only way that they can truly touch at what it means to be alive." He says eloquently, sincerely. He doesn't sound foolish saying such things like I did. In fact, he sounds almost…forlorn. Then his gaze once again shifts to me, some spark that was not there before lit in those dark depths. He regards me with a fresh gaze. Those electric tingly sensations are coming again, I can feel it on the fringe yet I discover that it does not feel so foreign, instead, rather pleasant and I-

I find that my mouth automatically activates its defense mechanisms. "Edward," I cock my head to the side, a sly grin spreading across my face. "I didn't take you for a poet."

Edward, not one to be shaken easily, parries my thrust and adds a jab of his own. His eyebrow rises up ever so slightly. "How can you have a take on some one if you don't know them?" He uses my own words from back at the CD store against me. He grins and I give a small laugh.

Then, as always, that spark is being blown out. Edward's demeanor has changed. He settles from his more jovial mood to brooding once again. He changes moods so fast sometimes, I feel like I am watching someone forever trying on a new mask. I'm becoming very curious as to the true face that may lie beneath.

Even now, in this moment, probably the most open I've been with any one in a long time, there is some deeper level to him that I know I'm not reaching. I really do not know him, though I find, I would like to. That is a scary thought that in of it self. For that level of openness, it has to be a two way street.

I look thoughtfully at Edward, really look at him. Even in a supposedly relaxed setting he is still stiff, formal, like he was protecting himself from something. His strong jaw is set firmly. His eyes rarely give anything away. His body is lanky, like a cat's. He can sprawl out and not be awkward anywhere yet still hiding the fact of its power underneath.

Looking at him now, I find it hard to picture him as a child. He just seems so much like an adult, more of an adult than some adults I know. Jessica words from that first day in the cafeteria enter my mind. "They were all adopted by Dr. Carlisle and his wife Esmee." I felt myself sit up a little straighter as my mind drew the connection. Maybe that was one of the reasons I had, on some level felt drawn to him, maybe because we shared a similar past. It surprised me to consider, and find that Edward and I may have more in common than I had originally thought.

"Do you remember them?" I voice comes out softly; my eyes slowly rise to meet his. They hold. His eyes squeeze shut for a moment, like he was internally drawing from a deep recess. I know he knows to who I refer, for I had felt a similar emotion many times myself; also trying to remember pieces of a past that I did not understand. I can see it reflected on his face.

The seconds stretch out, one into another. I shouldn't have brought it up. He won't answer. I turn my face away, believing that it was too personal a question. I shouldn't be surprised, and certainly not disappointed. After all, how would I have reacted if the roles were reversed?

The silence hangs heavy in the air, only dispersed with the strokes of the piano keys from the stereo and soft pattering of rain against the car. No words come to me. I let myself drift; both eyes and mind so when he does speak, catching me by surprise, I go shock still, my ears straining to hear the words he says so very quietly I barely catch them.

"Bits and pieces mostly. I was….very young when they died. I do not really remember my father. He is only a non -descript character in my head with a name now." Though he stares at me, I know it is not I he is seeing. "My mother…" A touch of a bittersweet smile comes to him, his voice raw. "I remember her sitting on the porch swing, working on her embroidery, watching the sunset while keeping an eye on me, making sure I was not getting myself into trouble again…" He gives light chuckle, his gaze drifting off now unseeing; his mind in another time. "She was beautiful, long bronze hair; the kindest smile, emerald green eyes… then the sickness took them. Later I was adopted by Carlisle and joined his family."

I had witnessed the first slightest vulnerability from this man and it kind of unnerved me. He seemed so purely human in that moment, not so aloof and untouchable. "I'm sorry." It was all I could think to say. I feel a familiar ache as I can witness for a moment, that pain he so carefully hides as my emerald ones meet his topaz, something to which I can relate.

He looks away. "Don't be. They passed long ago." His voice is back to its neutral tone, bouncing back, trying to put the distance between once again, like it should be.

But I can't let go, not yet.

"You're lucky I think." I muse.

He goes along. "Why is that?"

"You knew them. You had some beautiful memories to cherish. And…and you knew they loved you. Didn't they?"

"They did, she did, perhaps too much." Explanations left unspoken are laced in his words. "Do you remember yours?"

My eyes widen in surprise. "What do you mean? I have a mom and dad."

"Of course you do, everyone does. Though they are your parents they are not your biological ones. You were adopted too; weren't you?"

I try to voice my denial but it dies in my throat from the expression Edward is wearing.

"I could see it in your eyes. They may hold secrets, but they never lie." His eyes are searching mine again and a tingle races along my spine to my finger tips. I quickly answer him, to avoid concentrating on the second pulse that is coming alive beneath my skin and these feelings it is eliciting.

"Yeah, I was, when I was just a baby. I didn't remember anything about them." I clench my hands into fists inside the pockets of my sweatshirt, my fingernails digging into my palm, not just because I shouldn't be saying so much.

"Didn't?"

"I met them for the first time a while back. That was why I said I thought you are lucky; because that way you'll never be disappointed. Your expectations can be met in your memories if not in reality."

"Your parents were not what you expected were they?" He says as if he confirming a theory he had deduced

"No, but what in life ever is?" I mutter; then breathe deeply to clear the turbulent emotions that are rising.

"Apparently," His eyes are focusing intently on me as he muses, "More so than one might usually expect."

I chose not to comment on this as I really have no idea what to say to those cryptic words; and then, it feels fitting not to.

I could feel Edward's eyes on me as I stared out into the rain. We were in our own little world now, unaffected, unchanged by the world outside. The wipers weren't on so the rain began to blur the view as it trickled down the windshield. The wind would whip by, one droplet into another, spreading the hundreds of rain droplets into one thin blanket of water. The winds brushed it every which way, like a water sprite, dancing against the glass before continuing the journey down. It was fascinating. I didn't like the cold, foreign, so different from my old home; but something about the rain was magical. I never took the time to notice it before until I was here, sharing this moment with him.

Clair de Lune comes to an end. Silence reigns for a minute. I need to occupy myself with something. "May I?" I say indicating his stack of CDs. He nods his assent. I grab a pile, thumbing through. I smirk at some of the indie label CDs he has.

But there are other artists besides Debussy that I recognize and had not expected him to own such as: Beethoven, Mozart, Bach, Chopin and Ravel. I remember being introduced to many of these by the Petrellis in New York. Somehow, Edward having these seemed fitting. He would fit in the Petrelli world; more so than I ever probably could. I could picture him holding a wine glass with his thumb and finger, dressed in a tux, making conversation with important people all the while looking disinterested and cool.

I try to push the scene from my mind as I continue to look through his CDs. I found he even had contemporary artists such Brian Crain, Yanni and Dax Johnson. I practically beam when I pull one in particular out. "You listen to Yiruma? I love Yiruma."

His features are schooled to be blank once again. He just gives a slight inclination of his head. I take it as a yes and consent as one. I put the CD on and select the perfect track. He grins when he hears the opening chord of my selection. Edward leans back like before I had intruded, seemingly completely at ease in my company, closes his eyes.

The wind and the rain create an accompanying orchestra that harmonizes perfectly with Kiss the Rain. It is feeling in sound with no written meaning, free for interpretation. It lulls me, whispering in a language of a different kind. It tells me that for now, I can breathe easy. I let my eyes flutter close as they desire, let the music wash over me like the rain does outside; washing me clean as the electric impulses dance underneath my skin. I let myself completely submerge, yet I don't feel like I'm drowning. And I know it is all right. For the first time in a long time, I feel at peace.

We had spent the entire period in Edward's Volvo. When we heard the bell ring from inside the school Edward turned the car off, cutting the heat and music. He opened his door and climbed out. With a sigh, closing my eyes for a second, savoring the peace I had experienced, storing it away inside, I also turned to grab my door handle only to find Edward at my car door side, opening it for me. My face must have shown my surprise because Edward gave me his, I've now found, typical smirk. I didn't blush nor feel awkward. There felt no need. One of those barriers that had been between us had been stripped away. I could feel it. I did not feel quite so tense and Edward… he too seemed less rigid.

Edward matched my shorter pace, walking leisurely along beside me, in no apparent hurry to get back inside the building even with the dying storm clouds sprinkling us with the last of its rain. I did not even bother to pull up the hood of my sweat shirt, letting the droplets dot my hair. It just felt symmetrical, complete, doing anything sudden or abrupt would tear through this temporary lull.

When we walked up the steps I could hear the bustling bodies moving behind the school doors, students hurrying off to their next classes. I hesitated momentarily. I really did not want to go back in, put the mask on. I wanted to keep this moment, this one truthful moment and just put it on loop.

Edward opens the door just wide enough for me to slip through. Before I do, behind me with one hand holding the door Edward leans down, his mouth by my ear and whispers, his breathe hitting my neck. "See you later Claire."

I turn my neck slightly to see his expression, bringing my own face inches from his. This close I can clearly make out his smooth, pale skin, muscled jaw, lips that slightly curve upward and burning eyes that some how seem to see through me. My mouth goes dry as I try to manage a farewell of my own. His grin just gets wider as he places a hand at the small of my back, giving gentle pressure, pushing me into the school, all the awhile our eyes never leaving the other.

Then the door closes, making a clicking sound, snapping me out of my daze. Then my ire rises, wanting me to walk back out there and make some cutting remark now that the spell has been broken. Besides, not like I needed his help walking through a door.

What did he mean by that? See me when? And as to that, why didn't he come in? Was he waiting a few moments to come in himself to make it look like we were not coming in together? Did he not want to be associated with me? God, it was not like we were having an affair or something? Maybe he was skipping the rest of the classes? But then why stay here? He could go anywhere! Was he just going to his car to listen to music? Did he just not want me there?

"See you later Claire." I felt heat rush to my face. I put a hand to the nape of my neck, where his breathe had hit and goose bumps had risen. He acts weird when our skin made contact that time in class but he seems to have no qualms about invading personal space. Oh God, did he have any idea what affect he had on people? If he acted this way around acquaintances how did he act around family and friends?

Distracted, I find I've walked into the middle of the frenzied hallway. I navigate through the bustling bodies, making slow progress against the tide. I just wanted to make it to my locker. It was times like this that I wished I was a bit bigger.

Standing on my tip toes, I crane my neck, trying to get a glimpse over the moving heads. My eyes snap to the flash of bronze walking the other way down the hall. Edward, so he came in then.

As if he heard some one call his name he stopped. He looked over the dispersing sea of bodies, locking eyes with me. I didn't flush, or blink, meeting his stare straight on, like it was the most natural thing in the world. I did not feel strange or like I had to look away like I might have had before. Eyes that seemed to be able to see through anything, I was comfortable having them trained on me…

Instead, our shared gaze held something, and I really couldn't put it into words, a challenge, a companionable respect. The silent acknowledgment went with a slight nod of the head and hidden upward curving of the lips that I reciprocated. Then we both turned, each walking our own way down the hall.

I move along the lunch line considering my options, and no, not my lunch options, though I did decide that the salad looked particularly slimy today so chose instead one of the meaty and very appetizing hamburgers which I was sure was loaded with calories. Through all the shit that came with having an ability, I found that it was best to take advantage of the little perks, like say, a much more efficient metabolism. It always did irk Jackie that though we ate the same I always managed to stay just a bit thinner through less effort. Guess now I know why.

"See you later Claire."

No, my issue that I was considering once again did not have anything to do with my ability but Edward…again. I had not run into him for the rest of the day. I've had that look in his eyes and those words he spoke run on constant loop through my head. What had he meant; that he see me in class or sooner than that?

I shake my head. I was probably reading too much into it. But then, I hadn't gotten as far as I have with out being overly cautious and not very trusting. This game I was playing was dangerous. Oh, I sure knew it. I seemed to forget myself around him, and let him push my buttons, which was obviously not good for my situation. He was also too perceptive. Really, this could not lead to anything good could it?

But, the very things that should be deterrents made me want to be around him all the more. It was the fact that he was so perceptive and quick witted. I really enjoyed his company, never knowing what he would do or say next. I should be on edge around such a person but after that time in his Volvo, I've been beginning to realize I wasn't, now, not as before. And, I hadn't been so open with another person in such a long time; the only other person coming close being Angela, who, not matter how cute, unfortunately now was living on the planet Ben.

I reach out and select bottled water and go to pay for my lunch. I searched through my bag, locating my purse, then pulling out a wad of bills. While I thumb through them, another thought comes to me, transforming into a potential course of action I'm suddenly very tempted to take. I look over my shoulder, spotting his and his family's table. Out of the twelve seats to every table, including theirs, only five being occupied like always and the others being noticeably empty in an otherwise crowded cafeteria. The cafeteria lady has to clear her throat loudly to gain my attention. Quickly I pay, take back my change, and grab my tray. I turn to face the cafeteria.

I felt like we connected earlier; but I'm not sure he felt the same way. I don't want to be presuming anything. But if there was something and I didn't act on it soon it'd fade away. I'd like to be his friend, but maybe he doesn't want that. But he is alone except for his family and who really wants to be alone? People consider them freaks and it really isn't fair. They haven't done anything, except for well, not talking to others but themselves. But maybe the others didn't talk to them first?

I really should just ignore this but my heart won't let me. I should just move along, go with the flow like everyone else does and keep my distance. I need to remain inconspicuous.

Well screw it.

With out giving it another thought I head for their table. I walk down the aisles of tables and I feel people's eyes on me. I can feel my friends staring at my back, probably wondering where the heck I was going. I'm really trying to not think about what I'm doing otherwise I will think about it myself and I'll chicken out.

I stop in front of their table. At one end Rosalie and Emmett are sitting side by side and Jasper and Alice are on the other side. Edward is sitting by Emmett. I set my tray by Alice and across from Edward. This way I'm only on the outer fringes of their group so it doesn't feel like I'm intruding or something. Who am I kidding? Scratch that, I am intruding if the eerie quiet is any hint.

As I set my tray down on the table it is the only audible thing I hear in that moment. All conversation immediately stopped the minute I approached the table. The atmosphere now feels really tense and stiff.

I settle myself in my seat as comfortably as I can before raising my eyes, myself unsure of what they will meet, hence my hesitance.

Though she does not say a word, Rosalie makes her presence know. Painted on designer jeans and a feminine, eye drawing red blouse accentuate her perfect figure. A perfectly manicured hand brushes across her front where the first few blouse buttons are undone to hint at her unmistaken able ample swell of breasts. She sophisticatedly swishes back a light piece of golden blonde hair that for the most part, hangs down her back in waves. The corners of her plush lips are drawn ever so slightly in the picture of a lady like expression, though I was guessing was her smirk. Her whole posture and bearing radiates her confidence and self assuredness. She damn well knows how amazing she looks.

Though, all these features are striking them of themselves, it was not these that made me feel like I had been struck and confirm to myself that this really had not been a good idea.

Her golden eyes are aloft, as if she were looking down upon me in extreme distaste, like gum stuck on the bottom of her expensive shoes. Really, if looks could kill…

Though my guts feel like it is slowly being twisted into knots I keep my own face schooled to an indifferent expression. I let my gaze brush over her than away, as if she to me holds no particular interest.

My gaze takes me to her partner, Emmett. He himself is also an impressive figure, about 6'5 in height with muscular frame to go with; however he surprises me. I certainly did not expect the good humored smile I received that showed child like dimples on a man that look like he lived at the local gym, nor did I expect the slight jab he playfully gave to Rosalie in the ribs which made her look for a moment, put out.

Though it was Rosalie who seemed the most hostile from my very presence it is her adoptive sister who makes me feel a whirl. Alice Cullen who sits beside me is acting slightly…giddy? She smoothes a non existent crease from the skirt of her classy yellow sundress she wears underneath her jacket as she leans in closer to me, the bangles on her wrist tinkling together. She reminds of a bird, the way she tilts her head ever so to the side, her pixie like cut of her near black hair. Her lips pull back to show a friendly smile, apparently genuine if her eyes were something to be trusted. She sticks out her small, dainty, right hand towards me.

"Hello Claire Butler. I do not believe that we've had the pleasure of being introduced yet. I'm Alice Cullen." The way she said it sound like she really did enjoy meeting me.

I take her offered hand giving what I hoped was a friendly smile in return. Alice's grip was firm, yet gentle, like Edward's. It was odd looking to our entwining hands. There was such a contrast in color, mine the remains from my time in Texas to hers from her life here in Forks as well as Alaska. Her skin tone is like the rest of the people of Forks, resembling her families especially in their very pale tones. I'm the first one to break the hold, returning my hand to my side.

"Good to see you again Claire." Edward's warm tone draws my eyes to him. He doesn't look annoyed that I took what he said so literally, sort of inviting myself in. No, it seems that the time from the being in the Volvo has lasted a bit for him as well. He seems at ease, rather amused. I give him a nod and a small easy smile.

I feel the knot of tension that had been building within slowly ease, though not completely for I still had some curious onlookers. I could feel their gazes upon me. I was tempted to look over my shoulder to know just what I had started.

Alice's boyfriend who was sitting next to her was looking at me with a weird glint in his eyes. Then his eyes skittishly flicked away to nothing in particular, eyes shadowed by the blonde bangs he let drift in front of them, not letting me read their expression. I got the feeling that he wasn't really here with us right now. He seemed tensed up like Edward had been when I accidently brushed his hand in Biology lab and questioned him on his whereabouts. From the angle I was sitting I could see Jasper fist his hand in the black material of his pants. Under the table but well within view from my vantage point I could see Alice covertly slip her hand over his clenched fist, visibly making him relax slightly.

Weird, but then the Cullens never quite struck me as normal. Wasn't it strange though that even though they weren't all biologically related to one another they still all had the same skin tone and color eyes? I'm guessing that they all rather cool to the touch as well if both Alice and Edward are anything to go on. It was kind of eerie how they all seemed to be so graceful just floating along, hardly ever making a sound…

Subconsciously my brow furrowed as I twisted the cap off my drink.

"Something on your mind?" Edward casually asks.

"What? Can you read my mind?" I joke, hoping to keep the good mood going. But the opposite happens at my words; everyone at the table seems to freeze mid motion for half a second, eyes flitting from me to Edward then back again.

"No, of course not." He gives an eye roll at the ridiculousness of the posed question.

"Oh? Am I just that easily read?" For someone like my self that was a disconcerting thought.

"No," He answers seriously, "Not as much as most."

The mood lightens, like everyone was collectively breathing a sigh of relief as one. I don't let his cryptic answer get to me. That was just Edward. In fact, I was feeling rather upbeat. Even the way Jasper seemed to be avoiding eye contact with me and instead finding great interest in the white plaster walls didn't bother me in the slightest.

"So," A roguish smile takes on Emmett's face. "Just how long have you and Edward been…ah seeing each other?"

I choke on the water I'm drinking and I fear it is going to come out my nose. I can feel a small cool hand lightly patting my back. Then it does not help my situation any when the table suddenly jerks around. I barely keep my tray from over turning onto the tile floor.

I almost shout at Edward for kicking Emmett and to knock it off but I reminiscent on my and Lyle's own skirmishes so instead I just smile inwardly at the normalcy of the whole thing; besides, not like Emmett didn't deserve it. The whole suggestion was ludicrous. He was obviously only going for a reaction… which Rosalie was giving plenty for two.

"Really Emmett," She chided, lightly batting Emmett's fore arm. Her gaze flicks to me darkly. "Don't embarrass them and make up impossible stories." Emmett just chuckles and says something mushy in low tones to placate her. She smiles sensually and slides her hands further up his arm. Edward looks pissed off, but mostly at Emmett than Rosalie.

Okay, Emmett was just choking around and Rosalie obviously has an inferiority complex; just relax and let it go. It was almost Edward was reading more into his statement than the rest of us were.

"Claire," Alice says my name quite affectionately like we were old friends diverting my attention from my silent musings. "How do you like Forks? Not too rainy I hope."

"Well, it is certainly more than Portland even though it self has its fair share. What about you? Do you like Forks? What do you do for fun?" That was always safe, to ask questions in return, to divert the attention from myself. I am truly interested though for there does not seem to be many activities to partake of in Forks besides, hunting, fishing, hiking and the like.

"Oh, I believe Edward told you. We all like to hiking and camping together during our few nice days." She smiles, her impossibly white teeth showing.

"I think she meant what you like to do specifically." Edward inserts like he is stating the obvious.

"Alice likes to shop." Jasper speaks for the first time, making me jump slightly in my seat at the surprisingly light tone from such a serious appearing person. He looks over at Alice almost…teasingly indulgent.

Alice's smile grows wider as she clasps her hand in front of her in an impossibly cute fashion from the mention of shopping or her boyfriend's participation in the conversation I couldn't tell, though I was thinking both with an emphasis on the first . "I do love to shop. Do you? We simply must go together sometime."

"Yeah, sure, I suppose I do."

Alice has me by the shoulders and pulls me into a friendly embrace like we weren't complete strangers at all. An image comes to mind, of both Edward and I and Alice all going on a shopping trip together. I could see someone like her dragging me from store to store while piling the purchases on Edward to carry. From over Alice's shoulder Edward makes a very strange face as he looks into the depths of his apparently untouched drink.

Alice has released me. She assesses Jasper with a look a kin to concern. Then the expression is just as soon wiped. She stands up with great flourish as she picks up her tray. Jasper also arises.

"You're going already?" I blurt out. "But you have hardly touched your food. Are you not hungry?" Really, the cafeteria food was not that bad.

Alice just brushes it off with a hand wave and a little laugh that sounds like tinkling bells as Jasper comes to stand behind her with his own untouched tray in front of him. "No, I suppose I'm not. I'm still full from that excellent meal Esmee prepared for us this morning." She looked almost mournfully at her tray. "A pity, it is so wasteful."

Who calls there mom, okay, adoptive mother, by their first name? Granted our situations were different…

"Uh huh," This time it is I who arches the brow. I take note that nobody at the table has touched their meal. "It must have been quite the meal. I'd enjoy sampling her cooking sometime."

"Oh yes we'd love to have to o- Alice stops short as she catches sight of the glare Edward is training on her. Alice doesn't flinch a bit though Jasper puts his hand on her shoulder.

The silent tension is broken when Emmett leans back, making his seat whine in protest. "Me too! Uh, I ate a lot too, couldn't have another bite." He scoots his tray from him signaling his own meal's completion.

Rosalie examines her nails. "I should say so. You eat like a bear sometimes."

Emmett has no comeback to this but to only wear an exaggerated sheepish expression.

"Well," Alice says to her family. "I've got some things to do before class. So I'll see you all later." To me she says: "It was a pleasure to meet you Claire. I'm sure we'll," at this point her gaze slides over to Edwards then back again. "Become better acquainted." She flashes her pixie smile then takes her leave with Jasper shadowing.

Rosalie appears to have become bored with her nails. "I think we'll take our leave as well." She says in mimicry of Alice. She grasps Emmett's arm and together they both rise. She casts me one final look of disgust. Emmett grins from some inner joke. He winks at Edward who glowers at him. Then to me he says: "Been interesting. Be seeing you kid." I just did the only appropriate come back that came to mind, Mike's signature finger snap point. Yes, I know, hopelessly tacky.

Now once again it is only Edward and I. Neither of us disrupts the companionable quite. I busy myself with finishing off my hamburger.

The Cullens, though a little odd, is a friendly group for the most part. Why don't they have more friends? They are not in a similar position as me so what is the hold up? If others could only see what they were really like I'm sure that…

"Do you like the beach?" I ask him rather impulsively.

He looks up. "Which?" Edward takes my water bottle cap and twirls it between two fingers.

"La Push. A group of us are going this Saturday. Want to come?"

He stops twirling the cap. He barely shows it but I can see the way his shoulders drop slightly. What was wrong with La Push?

"I can't, sorry." He replies, his tone going all formal like again.

I nod numbly. Okay, see? At least I tried. It was worth a shot after all. But really, what was I expecting, that we would all go together, hold hands around the campfire and sing Kum-by-ya? It would be nice if it was all that easy and all our problems could be left behind. The world rarely worked like that though. I knew it, but so why was I feeling so disappointed?

I had probably read the whole situation wrong. He probably does not want a friend. He is probably just being polite until he can shake me loose like one of those freshmen girls. Oh God, I hope I haven't been a nuisance. Never mind, I have been. I invade Edward's privacy, I join their group at lunch and then I practically invite myself over to their house.

"But, I still look forward to going to Seattle with you." He says as he stands up.

What, well, yes, that had still been open but I didn't actually think…

"Oh, before I forget." He reaches into his bag and pulls something out. "This is for you."

My throat closes up as I take the Yiruma CD from him. Our hands touch. He doesn't pull away this time and neither do I. My heart is beating faster and I'm flooded by a torrent of different emotions, some I cannot even name. An unusual prickling sensation is happening behind my eyes.

"Thank you," My voice is thick. I really can't think of anything else to say to this act of kindness, this gesture of friendship.

"You're welcome Claire." He says softly. His eyes are tender when I meet them; almost as if he is aware that I'm struggling to keep myself under control inside. "I'll see you later." Then he turns and walks away.

I'm just sitting there now, alone at this table with no idea of what to do or think. I see my friends looking over at me. Angela pats the seat next to her as an invitation to come over. I shake my head. Jessica frowns at this and gives me the call her sign.

All of a sudden it feels much too crowded and noisy. I walk outside and sit at the bench. I breathe deeply as my fingers trace the CD case.

When I get home this evening I put it on my stereo when I do my homework. I ignore my cell phone when it rings. I find I don't end up doing much homework. I sit on my bed, my knees drawn to my chest with my arms wrapped around them. As I listen to the music a small smile blossoms across my face.

Edward's POV

No matter where I was, no matter how much cloud cover there was, the stars remained the same through out the years. No matter where I could go or how long I live they always come every night. Somehow, I found some comfort in this, something to measure the winds of time. That very same light that lit up the world also showed my differences from humans. I could never walk beside them when the sun shined during the day. But at night, this time was ours, for my kind. While the humans get the single bright light we have millions of tiny specs like the years we live, our constant.

Now though, these burning lights in the black sky do not comfort, does not distract from the unusual amount of attention I had been giving to the past month instead of letting it drift off, one into another. No, my mind keeps replaying an unusual small portion of my significant span, again and again, holding it up for scrutiny. This past month has been…different. Something or should I say someone has, as the old saying goes, 'rocked the boat.'

She never did quite what I expected; dancing in the school hallways, pretending to be less knowledgeable in class, asking the most bizarre questions. She picked up on things that most humans miss or choose to ignore. Constantly keeping me on my guard, I had not met a human yet that could be so perceptive or acted so differently, like trying to be both leader and follower.

After she almost caught me playing the piano in the school music room to distract myself from the annoying thoughts buzzing around me I was surprised that she remembered and took it so far to try and figure who was her 'mysterious piano player'. When she revealed her real musical tastes I found myself rather excited that we shared this and apparently other attributes as well in common as revealed before and again today when she sat in my Volvo with me.

Then again today she took my word literal and indeed, saw me later, coming and sitting down with my family, something nobody has ever done before. She of course chose the best timing, when Jasper was testing his limits again on how long he could go before needing to hunt again. He was already pushing the limits before but having Claire come smelling sweetly tempting a few feet away was almost his undoing. (It was however interesting to witness how she reacted for that short time when he used a bit of his power to lower her suspicion) Alice and Jasper stayed as long as was polite before ditching the rest of school and Rosalie left soon after due to her contempt for the present company (myself included though the main focus not being on me.) with Emmett as he knew it was best for his task and our cover that he leave for the time being. Him suggesting that we were "screwing around"…. Ever since I came back to the house he and Rosalie have made themselves scarce; may be taking a little one on one time at one of the other houses for the night, a wise decision of his.

Then there was the way she reacted to life, sometimes predictable but never for the motives had I originally guessed at. And her thoughts, I could read her mind like any other but never had I found a mind that made less sense to me. Her reasoning was never clear and to what drove her, what she was running from and why she is hiding…

I feel like I'm working on a challenging puzzle blind folded. I cannot ask out right for she would wonder as to how I know this much already. What I do know is that for some reason, she is scared and for that she hardly ever allows herself to open up. All I have is but several clues besides what I've learned directly from her actions and thoughts.

I think to the time after the school concert. Claire had left her purse under her chair in her haste to see her friend. I was unable to give it back to her there so I left it on her truck. I knew she would find it in the morning. The interesting thing I found is that when I looked at her wallet to confirm that this was indeed her purse and to satiate my own curiosity as well, I looked at her identification cards. They were all in order, or at least to the untrained eye. But my family and I who had our own identities faked by Jason Scott Jenks and his previous associate knew the fake from the real. It confirmed what I already knew.

Claire was hiding; from what I knew not, only it scared her, something formidable enough to intimidate her ferocious spirit she keeps locked away. There were several things in past that haunted her. My details were sketchy, only a few pieces fit. But the details would come and I would have my answer.

The details, my few clues ran through my mind as I examined them. My thoughts spin back to Claire. She was fascinating to watch. For once in the boring monotony that is my existence a new star lit up, capturing my thoughts in an orbit. There was something about her…. Her smile, laugh, golden blonde hair, the way her eyes were just so….alive. She was rather hypnotizing and I constantly found (and she found) myself watching her. For a human she was surprisingly intelligent as well as diligent. It was rather amusing the silent competition she held with me during Biology. (She was the only one in class beside Mr. Banner that could probably hold some form of coherent discussion on some related, in depth topic, at least for a while. They couldn't last long for someone that has many countless degrees in a wide range of fields as I myself possess.)

How did she do it? Today, my guard simply dropped for a moment, penetrated by her honest vulnerable question. Her words were loaded with so many things she didn't say. Somewhere in my lifeless chest I felt something churn.

Then I looked into her eyes, her emerald eyes, and I felt myself rushed back, riding along the threads of time, to a different time and place. I could see my human memories, almost all forgotten, lay before me, clear as if only a day past. I was only a child, no more than four; a mop of bronze colored hair tousled by the breeze and bight green eyes. I ran through the lush meadow. She called to me, my mother, I could hear her voice running through my head, calling me to be careful, and reminding me father would be home soon. Then she smiled, that angelic smile, the kind a mother gives to her child knowing she would do anything for them, for me.

Then I came back, words flowing from my mouth. Those eyes, her eyes on me, a small lesser form of that smile gracing her lips for me. And I felt…I felt guilty, happy, worried, anxious…. How to put it? I couldn't put it to words it was like…

A chord, an opening note strikes within. By instinct my hands rise in front of me like a piano was laid before me, invisible. Experimentally I move a finger, testing, than another, hearing the beginning in my head. Slowly a chorus comes, then the next part, all forming together perfectly in my head.

I drop from my tree, falling about fifty feet to the forest floor where my landing makes not a sound. I'm running swiftly back to the main house now. I'm there soon. I can hear their thoughts, a faint trickle becoming stronger as I come nearer. I know they sense my presence. I'm up the steps and in the house. I make my way to the piano in the main room, sparing Esmee a curt nod, she who is changing the water in a vase of flowers. I sit on the bench, opening the lid off the piano. I brush my fingers along the keys, finding their correct position. Before I begin I sense her presence. I look to Alice to see if she needed anything though her thoughts do not indicate so.

She smiles. It is going to be beautiful. Her eyes flick from the piano to me, then away. Both are going to be…

I merely arch a brow. She knows I know what she thought. She is not going to elaborate though, as she is purposefully forcing the thoughts from her mind as she recites nursery rhythms in her head, obliterating any decipherable thought from the next. I know I could trip her up, make her spill what she is hiding yet so obviously dangling in front of me. But it would irk her to have her fun snatched away and then she'll be impossible to deal with. I calculate that I'll find out eventually, just like I will with Claire.

With that I ignore the fading strains of Alice's chanting mind as she retreats off into the woods from whence I came while I turn my thoughts to the finished snippet Alice for saw with my own beginning.

And to what beginning did this 'both' include?

Future, what have you?

Keep running secrets, for I will catch you.

A/N: I'm not exactly sure how I feel about this chapter. If the characters feel kind of weird then I apologize. And I know through this story I've been taking special liberties. I hope you all do not mind too much. This chapter turned out differently than I expected. I added the Edward POV last minute. So many people have wanted to know what is going on in his head. It does not give a ton of answers but it does provide a small glimpse into his head. Hope I didn't butcher it too badly.

Yes, I know, I took along time to update again. Sorry! I had a ton of legitimate excuses lined up but it sounded dumb when I wrote them down and who wants to read that anyways? It is just life and random crap. Though the good news is that since it is summer for me (as in school is out for now) I should have more time to write now! I'm not promising anything though…XD (this chapter turned out to be 17 pages long, whew!)

As always, questions, concerns, comments ect. are welcome. I love to hear from you guys! All the story alerts, reviews and such make me very happy and are very encouraging. It is nice to know that some one else enjoys something I've poured a lot of time into. So a special thank you to all of you!

Oh, and I've been wondering, if you could choose any male character from either series (or if you're a guy then what girl or whatever your preference) who it'd be? Edward, Jacob, Sylar? (If he promises to behave) Let me know! I'm curious!

Personally I choose Peter. Hmmm, now that I think about it Peter and Edward's personalities seem kind of similar…. Is it just me?