Don't mind the typos. Enjoy =D

Chapter 9

Seth POV

"What! You can't break up with me!" Stacee screeched, her voice sounding like nails on a chalk board. Newly manicured nails to be exact, with little, pink flowers on them. "Do you know who I AM!?" Her bleach blond hair was wrapped individually in aluminum foil. Was she dying it again? How isn't this girl bald?! The bruise showing a little around her bandaged nose.

Remembering back to when I first met Stacee, she had been cute, pretty and nice. To me...at least. She didn't seem so, I don't know, so awful.

Her friends stood inside at the window. Trying to seem inconspicuous but obviously failing.

"Stacee..I just think it would be best if we just stay friends..."

"FRIENDS? Are you kidding me?!" She snapped angrily. "How could you think I'd want to even see you EVER again!" Her grey eyes glancing back to her ease dropping friends, her eyes instantly met mine again. Begging, "Please don't do this." I instantly went back to when we first met. Freshman year. She'd been different. Naïve. Her grey eyes filled with innocence, her now blond hair had been a deep reddish-brown. But, like many girls. High-school changed her. She became Queen Bee. Guys worshiped her and her clones wanted to be her. Very cliché.

"I'm sorry," I whispered, looking away.

Her eyes lost all shine, rage taking it place. "Seth Clearwater you WILL regret this." She began stomping back to her house. "Oh and Yea," She spun back around, walking backwards she said, "It's over." She turned going inside, slamming the door.

'That went well..'

I began taking slow steps, down the street.

It's weird. The way people change.

But the weirdest thing of all is that I will never change.

-x-o-x-o

Soleil POV

"Yes, mom, I fine."

"Soleil Maria Rivera! Where have you been?

"It's okay, I'm at Dianna's" I said calmly into the phone. I looked over to Dianna who stood in her homey kitchen. She stirred the vodka sauce slowly. Her hair tied up in pony tail. A few of her layered bangs framing her face.

"Okay when are you coming home?" Her voice finally losing the strands of anxiety.

"After dinner. I'm just finishing some homework."

"Oh how was school Laylay," Laylay my nickname as a kid. The one Jose called me since he was little, when he began to learn English. He couldn't say Soleil, so when he'd try to say it. It came out as Laylay. Hey, it was better then the elementary school "So-Lame". Yeah I know. It was stupid.

"It was... fun?"

"Make any new friends?"

"Yea.."

"Good. I was starting to worry that you would cling onto Dianna and Alexis. You know, sweety, it's good to make new friends."

"I know I know." I muttered quickly. "I'll call you when I'm on my way, kay?"

"Alright, love you honey."

"Love you too. Bye Mama." I set my phone on the counter. And made my way to the pot of boiling water on the stove next to Dianna's sauce. I put the bow tie pasta into the water. I smiled.

"Remember when we first made this?" I asked smiling. "You told me it was the best thing in the world."

She laughed, "Yeah and we didn't cook the sauce long enough. It still had vodka in it." she looked back to me. "How long ago was that?"

I leaned against the counter, counting in my head. "4 years.."

"Wow. Time sure flies."

"You can say that again."

"Time sure flies." I punched her lightly on the arem.

"Stupid." She punched back. "Ow!"

"Yeah right.." She smirked.

Lexi finally appeared, her eyes still held concern. She didn't believe me staying was the best idea. She wanted to go back to L.A or even transfer to the sister Academy in New York City, or Chicago, even London. Somewhere far. Mina had gone through hell to have the life she always craved. A family with the man she loved. I'd been so upset with her, I would even go as far to say that I hated her.

The air in the library was musty. Dust flowed lightly around the candle that lit the room. I stared wide eyed at what I just read. I knew. I knew the moment I shook his hand what he was. Not because his touch had been ice. But the warning my soul had gave me. The feeling of death. But now I know for certain.

"What the hell was that!" Mina yelled, stomping towards me. Saying nothing stood up. I looked up into her brown eyes, her mahogany hair hanging in loose curls. Her pale skin glowing from the light. I walked around the wooden chair and gestured her to sit. She did.

"Read." I said blankly. I leaned against the bookshelf, watching. Just I had for centuries. Watching...guarding...protecting...

Her white gown flowed around her as she sat. A golden sash around her waist. Her pendent hanging around her neck. The crystal in the shape of the sun, it gave its own white light in the darkness. Just as my pendent gave off a green glow. My own green dress flowing around me with the brown piece of lace that held my pendent. Brown lace finger-less felt soft against the palms of my hands.

She squeezed her eye shut. Closing the old, dusty book. She opened them staring at the lit candle.

"You knew?" I asked my arms crossed.

"Yes." I turned away from her. Not wanting to hear.

"He knows you know." It came out as a statement.

"Yes." I began walking away. Unbelievable. This whole nightmare was unbelievable. "I love him." She whispered. But I heard it clear as day. My hearing acute, my eyes predatory, my nails feeling like claws. Even my canines felt sharp. I bit my tongue, the metallic taste filling my mouth. I stopped, turning own my heel, my long waves of hair flying around me.

"Him?!" I yelled appearing a foot in front of her. "You can hardly call that monster a him!"

Mina's eyes became a golden red. My own eyes an emerald green, pupils in catlike slits. "Never! Never again will you say that!" She stood, "You won't tell anyone! Do you hear me, Soleil!"

"I can't promise that." I said angrily. "The council must know."

"No Khepri! You will tell no one!" The authority fell over me in sheets. The knowledge of my true name commanded me to obey. Head bowing, I fought against it. Gritting my teeth, I gave up. The weight lifted up off of me. I met Mina's shocked gaze, her hands pressed against her mouth.

"Sunny I'm-I'm so Sorr-sorry." She said tears filling her eyes. I turned and walked away.

"Sunny, Please wait. Don't go." She begged behind me. I gave her no second glance.

She had broken her promise.

"Khepri, my dearest friend. After this life I will never use your name over you. Never again. No matter what is to happen"

After thousands of years. She had broken her promise.

For a man.

No.

For a vampire.

A monster.

Alexis sat on the stool on the other side of the counter I leaned against. I opened my eyes.

I had looked down at her mistakes. It seemed Mina made mistake after mistake. But to her, she'd made none. After many years she had been reunited with her soulmate. She even had a son. The impossible became possible. Does that mean even I can obtain the impossible.

"Is it done yet?" I whined.

"Oh, hold your ponies."

"You mean horses."

"Same diff." She grabbed a strainer from a cabinet and put it in the sink. With two dish rags she grabbed the pot of hot water and pasta. She poured it into the strainer. After shaking the water from the pasta, she grabbed 3 plates. Serving each of us, she poured the steamy, orange sauce over the pasta.

"Mmmmm" I mumbled as the smell hit me.

"Nonna and papà ate already. They went out for groceries. I don't know why, we have lots of food. But you know how grandma is." She gave both us a plate and silverware. We followed her into the living room. We sat cross legged in front of the tv. She switched it on, our favorite show was on, Charmed.

"I love how accurate these witches are." Lexi said taking a mouthful.

"Me too." Dianna agreed. "Hey, I kinda look like Alyssa Milano." She posed.

"Yea suuuure."

Lexi laughed and Dianna tossed a sauce-less pasta at me.

After we finished, Dianna put the plates into the dishwasher.

"Hey, D, Mind givin' me a ride home?"

"I'll take ya." She grabbed her keys off the counter. "Lex, you stayin'?"

She nodded. "Alright I'll be back in a few."

"Later, Tink." I hugged her. She smiled at her nickname. Tinkerbell. It seemed very fitting when I gave it to her.

The ride home was quick. Rain pounded the car as Dianna drove up to the house. Saying a fast good bye I ran up the few steps to the door. Already drenched mom let me.

She waved to Dianna and as she sped away, mom bombarded me with questions.

I gave her my schedule and told her about my new friends. I left the guys out. When she was satisfied with my answers, I went to grab my clothes and went to the bathroom my brother and I shared. As he walked out he looked at me, " Hey Laylay," He began to walk away then froze. "I didn't say that."

"Sure" I smiled and walked into the bathroom. After taking a hot shower, I went to bed. Laying in bed under blankets, the sweet smell of rain filled my room. A small breeze went through my room. I shivered although I was under so many blankets. Slowly I faded into unconsciousness. I expected to fall into darkness. But this time my dreams were filled with- well you know who.

-o-x-x-x-x-o

1st and 2nd period flew on by. Jake had saved me a seat during homeroom. And I saw the surprise when I decided to sit in the front. That's when I found Paige was in my 1st period. I guess yesterday I had been too distracted to notice. Paige was quiet but the more you talked, the more she talked. By the end of the class we were laughing hysterically and I couldn't get her to shut up. Now I sat during english tapping my foot nervously. I glanced at the clock.

"Soleil!" Miss Davis threw a eraser at me. Which I caught. Thank god for my quick reflexes. I looked at her shocked. "You look at the clock again and it'll be a stapler." The class laughed including myself.

The bell finally rung and dashed outta there. I grabbed a few things from my locker and ran to Ms. Perterson's room.

I'd practically ran there, so when I walked into class I wasn't all too surprised to be one of the 1st people there.

But you know who else was early.

Lacey. And the rest of the gossipers.

I took my seat in front of the little herd they formed. And began writing down the notes on the board.

"Oh my god What Happened?" A strawberry blond haired girl questioned in her southern accent. I think her name was Dakota...or was it Britney.

"Stacce and Seth broke up!" Lacey exclaimed. My head shot up.

"Oh..wow!"

"Maybe I'll have a chance with him" another girl said. Her hair was tied up in a high pony tail by a rainbow ribbon.

CRACK

They all turned and glared at me.

I looked down at my pencil. Which was now snapped in two.

"Guess I don't know my own strength." I laughed. A few girls laughed. Lacey snorted and flipped her hair in my direction. And began talking in hushed tones.

"Yeah that's an attractive sound.." I muttered.

Not to long after the fell into complete silence. I looked up. Seth came in rather gracefully. He wore a pair of faded jeans and a brown t-shirt that seemed to fit him ever so perfectly. His hair wind blown. Oh so gorgeous. I looked away quickly. He took his seat next to me.

"Sunny?" I turned to look at him. I looked into his eyes. I struggled to keep my breath steady.

"Hmm?" He blinked a few times before responding.

"Are you okay?"

"What?" I asked puzzled.

"Yesterday you were acting strange.."He said glancing away from me. He met my stare again.

"Strange?" I asked still confused, until realization hit me. "Oh." The memory flash that had knocked me into auto pilot for a few hours. "Um...care to remind me what I said?"

He opened his mouth to answer until Ms. Peterson sauntered in. "Alright guess what day it is?" She said rather depressed. It's Friday? Right? "Lab day." The class groaned in unison adding bits of whining to that mix. "Yeah yeah. Your spending two periods in here so get used to it."

My mouth fell open. What the HELL?!

"Now I don't have a lab planned so your going to do this worksheet. You know what let's go to the library." Seth snorted. I looked at him confused, "Come on guys let's go. Hop to it." How is she so suddenly chipper?

Ms. Peterson pranced out of the classroom. Everyone followed, I took my time gathering my things. Seth waited for me, I walked out with him.

"So what's with her?"

"She has a thing for the librarian.." He said rolling his eyes.

I broke out laughing. He smiled at me, something flashed through his eyes. It was to quick to catch.

A strand of her fell onto my face and I pushed back into my pony tail. "So.. what exactly did I say?

He slowed his pace to mine, my heart speeding up at his closeness. "Well, you said to.." he glanced at me by the corner of his eye. "..to stay away from you.."

I looked away, staring ahead at the people who playfully shoved and goofed around in front of us. Ms. Peterson's calls echoing softly through the hall way. "Oh." Might as well be honest. "That's completely up to you." I said to him with a smile. He smiled back, a blinding, all-knowing kind of smile. The smile that now filled my dreams. Man oh man, was I falling.

The library was a pathetic, little thing. There were 6 rows of 10 feet oak bookshelves. Each shelf filled with ancient, dust covered books students hardly ever checked out. We all gathered around Ms. Peterson. She held up a stack of papers, "Alright, ya'll can get started while I," Her eyes sparked happily, "Oh Wilbur!" She waved to the scrawny man with huge round glasses. "Here, Sara, pass these papers out." She said quickly, running towards the scrawny man that seemed to shrink as Ms. Peterson bounded over to him, with her broad manish shoulders.

Sara quietly passed each of us a paper. We all broke off into our little groups and to my surprise Seth came to sit with me.

The minutes began ticking by, working together. We laughed and we talked. Endlessly. He asked question after question. Where I was from, where I was born, my favorite song, about my family, my friends... everything. And I answered each and every one..

He'd even asked for my cell phone number, which I obviously gave.

It had been such a long time since, I'd laughed like this. Truly laugh, no worries.

"Okay, moving on," I giggled. "Number 12 is Sulfur."

"No it's not it's phosphorous, how'd you even get those confused." He chuckled.

"No it's not.." I said flipping through the text book. "I just saw it in here."

"Okay let's make a bet, if your right you get well whatever of your choosing, but if I get it right I get to choose.." He said with a mischievous smile.

"What do you want?"

"A kiss." He said casually leaning back into his chair.

"Huh?"

"You know what I said." He smiled, eyes sparkling.

Butterflies fluttered in my stomach. My eyes dropped to his mouth. I wonder if his lips would be soft against mine,wondered how his arms would feel around me. I leaned unconsciousnessly towards him.

"Sunny?"

"Huh?" I said dazed.

"Your looking at me like you want to kiss me." My cheeks turned a bright red, I busied myself by flipping through the text book.

"Is that so.." I mummbled.

"So how 'bout it?" He questioned, leaning forward.

"Your serious?" He looked at me. "Okay." I flipped quickly through the book. "Ah Hah, um blah blah something somethin something..." I paused. Phosphorous. "Oh."

He tapped on his head, "Photographic memory."

"You tricked.. me." He smiled cutely.

"So...do I get my kiss?" He hesitated.

"mmmhmmm.." I smiled, shutting the book.

"Really?"

"A deal's a deal." He looked at me wide eyed. I pushed the book aside and walked around the wooden table to him. He turned in his chair and looked up to me. I grabbed his hand and mentally gasped. His temperature was so high, he has a fever! My other hand flew automatically to his face. He leaned into my touch, looking at me with half lidded eyes.

I leaned close to him. His warm breath warming my cold face. Lips parted I leaned closer. A shiver of anticipation went through him.

Closer and closer.

Just about to touch.

I quickly turned my head, pressing my lips onto his heated cheek.

I stood back smirking, "3, 2, 1." RING! The shrill bell rang.

Seth still sat amazed. I gathered my things and slung my bag across my shoulders. Walking away he called.

"You call that a kiss!"

"Maybe you should specify next time!" I called back.

As soon as I walked out of the library, a giddy laugh slipped from my lips.

Did I just do that?

Yes, I did.

Art class went by with an ease, P.E was simple, Spanish of course was a breeze. Calculus a small torture.

As I waited to be dismissed from this hell, my phone vibrated from my pocket. I took it out and flipped it open, hiding it under my desk.

Hang out tomoro La Push Beach.

It was from Seth.

Just us? I sent back.

Bonfire with everyone. You can bring some friends.

Tomorrow was Saturday. Surely, Dianna would love to go. Lexi would be busy, as always.

Sure.

It's a date. He sent back.

I closed my phone and stared at my finished pop quiz.

A date? Yeah, right..

I smiled. This should be interesting. I frowned suddenly when it hit me..

Dianna..

is...

gonna..

want..

to..

play..

Barbie..

I physically flinched. Oh well..

I love reviews!

~Clearwater