I got this chapter done sooner so I just wanted to post it as soon as I can.

In this chapter you're going to get deeper into Sara's life, whick means getting closer to her secret.

I hope you enjoy!

The rest of the day went by pretty fast; I was on auto pilot as I went from class to class. I was determined to get though the day no matter what I was feeling. The Cullens went home and they took Bella with them so I was pretty much down the entire day. When the final bell rang I was more than elated to finally leave. I got in my car as fast as I could and sped home, paying no attention to the speed limit. I followed the small trails that lead to the Quileute lands.

My house was tucked away in the forest that surrounded the waters in the secluded part of the beach. There wasn't many houses around there and it was right off the reservation so I didn't have to deal with a lot of people. I was surprised when I saw a group of huddled figures around the front door.

When I got closer I could see three very lean men ringing my doorbell. They each hard dark russet skin and wore nothing but a pair of shorts. They looked very similar when I was this far away, tall and muscular. From the skin tone alone I could tell they were from the reservation, but what were they doing down here.

I turned into the driveway, but the guys had already noticed me. They all were gawking at my car. Of course, I should just go give this to good will or something, I thought sourly to myself. It was only drawing attention to me. I just had to have the shiny car with the awesome doors.

I turned off the ignition and plastered a fake smile on my face, hoping I could give them what they wanted fast and make them leave. I got my bag off of the passenger's seat and put it over my shoulder. Just for safety, I pulled the Shynx out of my boot and dropped it into my bag for easier access. These guys were strong and I could see them trying to overpower my small body; I could see them try to hurt me, but they never would get the chance.

I got out of the car, acting as friendly and casual as I possibly could.

"Hello boys, can I help you with something?" I asked nicely, trying not to sound impatient.

"That's your car? You drive that around town?" The smallest of the three asked practically drooling over the shiny hunk of metal.

"Um, yea. That's mine. Is there a reason you're outside my house right now or should I call the cops?" I asked, but I couldn't stop the impatient tone in my voice.

The three laughed like I had just told them a joke. I looked at them confused.

"I don't get it, what's so funny?" I was staring at the smallest one since he was the only one talking.

"Nothing, sorry. We're just here to welcome you," I shifted my gaze to find who was talking and look for their eyes. "We were walking around here and we noticed the house. You must be-"

Bam! That's when everything happened. Our eyes met; my striking green eyes and his soft brown eyes caught on each others. I could see the mixed emotions that ran through his head at that moment. He felt alone. No, he felt uncomplete; he was missing something.

I could barely focus on anything other than his eyes, but I forced myself to look at the rest of him. He was the tallest and strongest of the three. His brown air was cropped and untamed, but it gave him a unique look. His muscles were nicely toned, large arms and a perfect stomach. His face was hard and aged, but when I looked into his eyes I could see exactly what he was feeling. I could see why he hadn't worn a shirt or jacket- he had every right to show off what he had.

In all truth he looked… sexy. It was hard for me to admit, but he was one of the best looking men I had seen in a long time. I would say he beat even Rudi when it came to who looked best…

But our eyes were connected again and that was all I could focus on. He was staring back, his jaw slightly slack, his eyes wide in… what looked like awe. Did he feel awe for me? That was diffidently not something I was used to.

My whole body felt warm and I could feel a light blush cover my cheeks. I didn't happen too often, but I blushed ever once and a while. I couldn't explain it, but it felt sort of like an unseen force was trying to pull me closer, trying to tie me to him.

For god's sake, I thought to myself. You don't even know this man's name, stop this at once and get a hold of yourself.

I did exactly that. I took control and forced myself to look away, this was unacceptable. The two other guys were staring awkwardly at the tall one, then me, then back to the tall one. He was still staring at me, but I made myself focus on something else to avoid his eyes. I wasn't going to lose control again.

"Um, Jake… 'you okay?" The smallest one asked shaking the largest one's- Jake must be his name- arm. I felt overjoyed, despite my attempts not to, that I knew his name. It struck a chord in me that made my heart flutter a bit.

Jake slowly pulled his gaze away and looked to the small one. "I'm fine. Uh," He turned to me again. "My name's Jake, this is Quil," He said, and gestured to the small one. "And Embry," A quick nod to the one who hadn't spoken yet.

"Hello, nice to meet you all." I said sweetly, still avoiding Jakes gaze. "I'm Sara."

"Hey, 'you knew here?" Embry asked with a sly smile. "I could… show you around if you'd like."

I couldn't stop myself from giggling, it was too cute. "I'm good, I know my way around. Thanks anyway."

"If you change your mind, call me." He gave a creepy wink and I rolled my eyes.

Jake wasn't happy about that. I could see the murderous glare he was giving Embry, it sent chills racing through my spine.

"I think I'll be okay. Did you want anything else, I'm kind of busy." I wanted nothing more than to go inside and get away from the rest of the world.

"Um, well…" Jake seemed to think something over in his head over, but he got a determined look and went on talking. "We're having a get together tomorrow- a few people from La Push and a friend of mine- and I want to know if you'd go. You could meet some other people from around here…"

I laughed out loud wishing it would have been a silent laugh. "By chance is your friend Bella Swan?"

Jake nodded with a confused look. "Yea, how'd you know-?"

I cut him off. "She already invited me today at school, I was already going to go." I paused remembering something Bella had told me. "My lord, how old are all of you?"

"We're all sixteen." Quil said with an uppity smile.

I mouthed the word sixteen and looked them all over. "Are you on steroids or something?"

They laughed, but I meant it seriously. They seemed about twenty-three to twenty-five.

"Nope, we just grew up fast." Embry said still laughing. "No, not everyone in La Push is like this."

It was unbelievable, they had to be lying. If just one of them looked older, but all three of them… it doesn't work like that in the human world. But they were telling the truth, I could see it in their eyes.

"How old are you?" Jake asked putting genuine curiosity behind the question.

"Um, seventeen. I skipped a fifth grade, so I'm in senior year." I felt very small next to these boys.

"Ah, so you're smart? Well, that will get you something in life." Embry seemed to be talking more to himself than me. "So, I guess we'll see you tomorrow."

"Yea, I'll be there." I gave a quick nod and remembered a question that needed to be asked. "Um, Were is this "get together" going to be? Bella didn't know."

"Oh yea, I guess you need to know that. It will be at First Beach, a few of us will be waiting there to meet Bella and you. We're going to be in a more private area, it's always easier that way." Jake gave a smile that sent my heart in frantic leaps and jumps.

I couldn't place it, but there was something off with these boys, something that doesn't happen with humans. I went through the lists of things that would set them off as a vampire or werewolf, but nothing matched. Their skin was too dark and rough for them to be vampire and the way they moved didn't set them off as a werewolf. Out of all things, I would know if they were werewolves; that was my specialty now.

But there was something wrong. They smelt like wet dog, but it wasn't repulsing as I would have expected it to be. They moved to gracefully and quietly for their enormous size. I could feel it from five feet away that they hot, running way higher temperatures than any ordinary human. There was something odd going on here, but I didn't have time to investigate everything.

"Well, it was nice meeting you guys, but I have to get some things done. I'll see you tomorrow." I gave a slight wave and they said their good-byes.

I was inside and alone in a matter of seconds. The first thing I did was pull out any homework I was assigned and started to do it. I didn't even really pay attention to the questions; all I had to do was write down the answer. I had no trouble doing the trigonometry; it was finished in five minutes. I've been doing this stuff for years, so it's only a matter of taking in the long questions.

After all of that was out of the way I changed into something more comfortable and sat down on the couch in the living room. My house was not that big- two bedroom, one and a half bathrooms- but it wasn't too small either. All I had to do was call up my money manager and ask him to set everything up. After a few months the house was up and built already furnished with everything I needed. The living room way specially designed with gold's and red's splashed everywhere and décor to match. I had a nice television set up in the corner of the room, but I don't think I would ever use it. T.V. just isn't that cool when your life is a living reality show with sick twists and turns ever second you start to get comfortable.

I pulled my knees to my head, wrapped my arms securely around my legs and let my breath go jagged and uneven. I was going over everything that had happened today, all of the wrongs, all of the hurt, all of the confusion, and most of all, all of the memories. It was painful to sit there and think about my horrible history, to think about my troubled past. It was something I wished so much just to forget. All the pain and suffering I had to go through to become what I am. All the training and combats I participated in. But worst of all, I was forced to remember Rudi.

His wicked face kept flashing in my mind, trying to make itself noticed. He wasn't bad looking at all. Actually, I always thought of him as good looking, but none of that could ever make me forget what he was. Evil, that's the only word to sum him up. He was a sick monster who just had to go and screw up my life. He was the reason I sat here today; breathing, crying, hurting. He was the reason I was still alive, but I would never thank him for that. I'd rather be dead, than to be this… thing; this hollow shell of my old self.

The tears came easily, flowing out of my eyes and soaking my shirt. The sobbing was horrible and took over my body, leaving me in dreadful convulsions. My chest started to ache, my felt weak and limp, my head throbbed with a searing headache. But to make it worse, a new, annoying pain came to me. Somewhere in my chest there was an empty feeling that seemed to pull at me. It was pulling in a completely random direction, but I knew it was attached to something. It wasn't just some miscellaneous pain; it had a purpose behind it.

The sun was slowly setting, turning the landscape a murky orange color. I got up from the couch and went outside mechanically, walking until I reached the border of trees and forest. I stopped just in front of it, reaching out to brush my fingers along the leaves. The silky smooth greens and darkness of the forest felt more like home than anything I could imagine. The night was my hour, and the forest was my freedom.

When the sun completely disappeared from sight, the moon hung brightly in the sky. I gave an almost sick smile while I stared at it, glad to see it again. Letting out my last laugh until the morning I let myself become part of the night, running with no purpose into the forest as a stronger, wilder me.

The sun was shining very brightly through my bedroom window when I first opened my eyes. I hadn't been asleep, I knew that, but I was in a between state, so I still felt a bit confused when I sat up. I remember the running, running until I was…

Yup, I thought to myself. Just another night, just like all the others. Nothing special about it.

I got off the bed which was tangled with blankets, leaves, and dirt. The whole room was a mess, but I would clean it up later. I had one hour before I was supposed to be down at La Push for the gathering. I took a quick shower and brew my hair out so I looked presentable. The weather was much nicer today; sunny-ish with only a few clouds covering the sky here and there.

I pulled out the best bathing suit I owned and threw it on along with a white sun dress. I pulled together a bag, putting in towels, sunscreen, sunglasses, my Shynx, and a bottle of water. I wouldn't drink it, but it's always good to have it. Before leaving I put on a pair of slip-ons and turned off all the lights that were left on last night. I didn't feel any drastic change in the temperature as I got outside. It wasn't as warm as it was in Hollywood right now, but then again, it wasn't too cold.

I got in my car, putting my canvas bag in the passenger seat and adjusting my mirrors correctly. In another minute I was on the road and heading to La Push. I hadn't been paying much attention to it, but the empty pain in my chest was still there, nagging me to do something. The weird part was that with every turn on the rugged trail I took, the pain seemed to ease up just the tiniest amount.

Good, I thought. I don't need other things to worry about right now. I'm going to this gathering to loosen up and learn a little more about the Quileute tribe.

In another fifteen minutes I was at First Beach along with about all of Forks. I guess the beaches get popular when it isn't cold. I parked my car in one of the few available spaces and walked down to the waters. There were a lot of people around here, I don't think finding those Quileute boys would be as easy as I thought.

I started walking by the waters, the bag carefully over my shoulder and my sunglasses shading my eyes. I wasn't exactly looking for anyone, but concentrating on the empty pain, trying to make it go away. The annoying pull was trying harder and harder to make me move, so I just went with it. Closing my eyes, but still staying focused to my surroundings.

I started walking in the direction of the pull, not really caring what I looked like to the other people around me. Luckily no one was in front of me, so my path was smooth and precise. As I followed the pull I noticed that the pain was reducing just slightly and the emptiness was filling with something… different. It warmed me to the bone, making me feel bubbly and accepted. It was nice, but also frightening at the same time; this was something I have never felt before. It was unique, but unknown.

I forced my eyes open, hoping the warm feeling would go away; I'd rather have the ache. But it stayed, and got worse. I could feel the warmness doubling, and then tripling. Oh, I wanted it to leave; not to ever come back again. I grabbed my chest hoping that would help, but nothing happened to make it vanish.

"Sara! Over here!" A voice boomed through my own mental panic attack.

My head shot to the source of the voice. I saw three boys waving to me, but I only recognized one of them. Jake was the voice, standing taller than the other two by only a few inches. I felt my heart pang in my chest at just the sight of him.

I let a smile creep its way onto my lips and walk quickly over to them, happy that I was not alone anymore. When I got over I could see the other two more clearly. Both looking just as tall, tan, and muscular as Jake I knew they too were Quileute's.

"Hey, guys this is Sara. She moved into the house we saw a few days ago." The two waved at me, the smaller one looking more welcoming than the other. "Sara, this is Jared," a nod to the tall one. "And Seth."

Seth held out a hand as his name was said. I took it without much of a thought. He was hot; his skin warmer than the air around us. A lot warmer. I pulled away eyeing him suspiciously.

"Hi, it's nice to meet you." I looked over to Jake, still avoiding his eyes. "Um, so, where's this party/get together happening? Is Bella here yet?"

Jake nodded, not really answering my question. "Bella's waiting with the others. She got her about ten minutes ago. Come on, we'll show you were it is."

The three started to walk off in the direction of a grouping of trees. I felt as if I could trust them, but just for safety, I pulled the Shynx out of the bag and pressed it close to my body so the boys won't be able to see it, but I could still use it. The boys asked me a few questions on the way about my move, but other than that they were pretty quiet.

I was getting used to the odd feeling in my chest, but it still scared me a bit, when I got a little too warm. The guys didn't try anything in the woods; they were simply getting me to the waters again. When we finally got back on the sand it was rough and less fine than the more populated part of the beach. I didn't find any pain from it, but I could see why not many people were out here. The water seemed more violent and there were lots of wood scraps and broken shells. It could be very painful walking around on this ground without shoes.

I could see a large group of people farther down the beach. Many tan bodies were in the water while a few sat at the edge, talking. One pale figure stood out from the rest.

Seth and Jared ran up to the group, Seth to the water, Jared to the circle. I could see that that group was all women, and Jared was running up to one of the tan ones to kiss her on the cheek.

"So, this is everyone else." Jake said grabbing my attention. "In the water is Leah," He pointed each person out careful so I knew which was which. "Paul, Sam, and there's Embry, Quil, and Seth. Over there is Kim, Emily, and Jared. And of course Bella. That's everyone."

"Thanks." Bella was waving me over with a friendly expression, but she was going to start questioning me as soon as possible. I turned to Jake. "And thanks for inviting me too. That was… nice. I think Bella really wants me, so I'm just going to go over there."

He laughed, sending chills through my body. "have fun."

Bella got up and met me half way, wrapping her arms around me as soon as she was close enough.

"Careful! The Shynx!" I whispered in a hiss trying hard to keep the blade away from her body.

She quickly pulled away, her eyes going wide. "Why would you need that?"

"I didn't know if I could trust those boys so I kept it out just in case. Don't worry, I have no intent on using it." I said soothingly.

She sighed in relief. "Oh," I tucked the weapon back in the bag and gave her a wry look. "Thank god you're okay. Edward told me about…" She looked around, as if to see if someone was listening. "About Jasper. I thought you were dead! You don't know how hard it was to just wait by the lunch room and hope that you weren't dead!"

She sounded on the edge of near hysteria. I reached out and patted her arm a few times.

"I can take care of myself Bella, I'm strong. Let's forget about all of that, okay? Will you introduce me to your friends?" I asked gesturing to the two girls by the water.

She nodded feebly and started over to her spot again. I noticed a basket full of different foods, snacks, and drinks that seemed about half empty. Kim and Emily smiled at me when I came to sit down next to Bella.

"Hey, you must be Sara." Emily asked extending her hand. When she turned her head I could see scares running down her cheek to her arm. I almost gasped, but taking control I looked into her sweet eyes and grabbed her hand. "My name's Emily, but I bet that Jake already told you that."

"Yup, all covered." Jakes voice came from behind me. I jumped despite the control I had over myself.

He sat down in the open spot next to mine and pulled out a sandwich from the basket. He started to eat it when a rather wet Seth came over and pulled out something wrapped in tin foil and ate it.

"Ew, Seth you're dripping all over!" Kim said pushing him away.

Seth smiled wide and shook his wet hair like a dog, splashing all of us with salty water. We laughed while trying to get the water off of us.

Jared, Quil, and Embry were heading over here at that time, whispering about something. I heard my name multiple times, but didn't think anything of it. Jared sat next to Kim and embraced her tightly, resting his head on hers. They looked like they belonged together more than any other pair could, it was scary.

But Sam, Paul, and Leah all stayed in the water, talking about something or other. The cliffs surrounding the waters were high and sharp, but curved in enough that you were capable to jump from them. I haven't been cliff diving in a long time…

Jake saw me staring at the cliffs and laughed. "What? Is there something you have against cliffs?"

I smiled. "No, I was just thinking. Have you been cliff diving by chance?"

A mischievous smile spread across his face. "Oh, I've been cliff diving plenty of times. Actually, we were going to go up there and do that later today."

I looked at him in surprise then glanced at Bella. "You're going to go jump off a cliff?"

Bella laughed and shook her head. "No way. Been there, done that. Not happening again."

I looked to Kim and Emily who shook their heads also. I looked back to Jake with a confused glace. He laughed.

"I meant the guys and Leah. We do it all the time." His voice was light, but I found something offensive from it.

"Great, I'll go with you. I haven't done that in years." I crossed my legs and set my bag behind me for support.

Jake looked troubled. "Um, are you sure? It's not the safest thing to do, and those are the high cliffs. Maybe you should-" I cut him off.

"Please, I know how to jump off of a cliff. Don't worry about me." I smiled at him and looked to the waters.

Jake sighed and began eating again.

"So, Sara, how are you liking Forks so far?" Seth asked before getting another tin foil meal.

"Um, I think I love it here. The small town part is a little… boring, but you have some really interesting people around here. It's already becoming home." I replied.

Almost everyone had something to eat in their hands, so not many people were trying to talk. The guys ate like animals.

Jake offered me some kind of sandwich, but I shook my head and toke a swig of my water. It tasted like nothing and did no good in quenching my thirst, so it was a good thing I wasn't thirsty.

When Sam was out of the water he took his seat next to Emily and kissed her on the cheek before taking something to eat. He smiled at everyone, but his eyes became centered as soon as he reached me. He seemed to be evaluating me; watching every move I made.

"So, Bella says you're a good fighter. She was almost so sure of it to make a bet that you could beat any one of us in a fight. Is that true? Do you really think you can beat us?" Quil asked after he finished about his third sandwich. Paul and Leah were about to join the circle then.

I smiled, enjoying the way Quil said it. It was a challenge.

"Oh, Bella told you that?" I gave her a look out of the corner of my eye to see her blushing lightly. "Bella's right, I am a fighter. And I don't think I can beat you, I know I can beat you. Any of you."

Leah sat down with her eyebrows raised and an almost disgusted look on her face.

"Oh please, you're a twig. You're just like Bella, pale and weak." She didn't care about what she was saying. I could see Bella look down at her hands in embarrassment.

"Leah! Control yourself!" Sam ordered in a voice coated with authority.

Leah backed down and started eating whatever was in her hands. I forgot about her comment and smiled to Quil.

"You want to see what this "twig" can do?" The group went up in ohh's, trying to make Quil take the challenge. 'Come on, I'm not afraid of a little fight. Just one time, if I win… you give me whatever's in your wallet right now."

Quil thought that over for a second and smiled. "Fine, I win… and I get to borrow your car for the rest of the weekend."

"Deal," I put out my hand and he shook it.

We both got up and patted the sand from our cloths. Jake stood up too glaring at Quil.

"I don't think that's such a good idea-" He was trying to walk over to Quil, but I cut him off and walked in front of him.

Without meeting his eyes I spoke calmly and carefully. "Don't worry about it, Your friend won't be too hurt when we're done. Besides, he looks like he can take a hit."

"That's not what I'm worried about." He argued.

"Relax Jake, she won't get hurt. I'm in complete control." Quil said as he got to a clear patch of sand.

Jake took a breath in and sat down, trying not to argue any further. Was he really worried that I would get hurt? I thought he would be worried for his friend before the girl that just moved into town. Maybe he was just being a gentleman.

I pulled off my sunglasses and shoes so the fight would be close to evenly matched. Pulling my hair into a bun at the top of my head I walked up to Quil. The others were watching with mixed expressions.

"So, what are the rules? How are we going to do this? Wrestling, hand-to-hand, battle, combat… free style?" He thought over it, but I didn't think he knew what I was talking about.

"Um, just… free-style I guess. Just try to get the other on the ground for five seconds." He had it set in his head that he was going to win.

I heard people behind me starting to take bets. I had Bella, Jake, Kim, and Emily place fifty dollars on me and the others about seventy-five on Quil. I'm about to make those four seventy-five dollars richer.

"Here I'll make this more interesting. If you just so happen to win, I give all of them money in my wallet to you and you get my car for the weekend. If I win, the four who just bet money on me get to split your money evenly." It was fair.

Quil smiled. "Fine, go on one… two… go!"

He lunged forward, ready to push me to the ground, but I had already marked off his move. Using my unique survival method, my brain started to categorize all of Quil's strengths and weaknesses. He was tall, but strangely graceful so using his height against him would do no good. He depended mostly on his arms and hands to attack and protect himself, but what he should also focus on the lower half of his body too. Your legs can be a very strong ally in a fight. He had two scars on his shin from a past accident, that would delay his attack by half a second and reduce damage by three percent. His eyes were focused only on where I was at that second and not open to any other area I may try to strike.

That was my way it; I needed to confuse him. When he was in the right position I dropped to my hands and drop kicked his feet from under him. He fell forward, but caught himself with his arms. I got back to my feet as he pushed himself to his feet in one fluid motion. Taking his left arm, I pushed him to his knees by kicking his legs in. He let out a straggled cry and tried to get up again, but my hold on his arm kept strong and all I had to do was exert a little pressure before he went back down.

The group counted to five and I let go of Quil knowing how much that hold really hurt. He held his arm tightly up to his chest and said a few curse words before turning around and giving me a shocked expression. I could see Bella and Jake giving each other high-five's and cheering, but I didn't dare look at the others. I could practically feel the steam Leah was blowing off or the utter schock radiating from the rest of the group.

I bent down to get in level with Quil; I didn't really mean to hurt him.

"I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to really hurt you. Are you okay?" I placed a hand on his forearm, but pulled away quickly when the shock of his hot skin reached me. He was just as hot as Seth. "Sorry," I got to my feet and held a hand out to him. "here, let me help you."

He took my hand with his uninjured hand and began to pull himself up, but seeing the perfect opportunity for revenge, he pulled me down and began to wrestle me to the ground. We were both laughing, it being more of a friendly game rather than a head-to-head fight. We were circling each other, the other trying to find the perfect opening for attack when Sam called everyone back together.

Quil and I stopped and went back to the circle, him forgetting ever being beaten; me, still pumped from the victory. Bella gave me a high-five while Kim and Emily gave thumbs up. I took my seat next to Jake, putting my sunglasses and shoes back on.

"We're about to go up on the cliffs, 'you in?" Embry asked dealing out the last of the betting money to the winners. Quil had already given his money to Kim and Emily who were splitting it evenly among the others.

"Yea, of course! Do you know the paths to get up there?" I asked already getting ready to move.

"Like the back of my hand." He replied.

Sam gave a worried look to me, trying to figure something out. "Have you been cliff diving much before? Maybe you should stick to the lower ones. Jake would take you-" I cut him off with one hand.

"No way am I going to go any lower. I've probably been more times than you. I spent a year practicing in adrenalin administration. Free falling is a great way to get a straight rush. After a certain amount of time you get control of how much adrenalin is pumped into your system and when. It was all a part of my training, so I know what I'm doing." I reassured him, not willing to settle.

Jake looked almost discouraged for a moment, but he and the others got up and started for the cliffs. I followed, keeping in toe with Jake and Quil. They seemed to be the ones that liked me the most so far.

"So, how long have you been 'training'?" Quil asked putting air quotes around training.

"Ever since I could walk up until I was thirteen. After that I knew everything the elders could teach me. After that it was all practice." I answered with a distant gaze.

"Where did you train?" Jake put a lot of curiosity behind the question.

"Um, my tribe in Turkey. We focused on mastering all of the bodies fighting techniques. Only men were supposed to learn the way, but I have always been a special case."

"What did you practice on? Did you go and attack every poor sap who was stupid enough to challenge you to a fight?" Quil rubbed his shoulder dramatically, but his face was lit up with a smile.

"Something like that." I couldn't help myself, I laughed. But this wasn't my ordinary laugh; it was light and free. Almost happy.

The other two laughed along. This time I noticed how… beautiful Jakes laugh really was. My heart skipped multiple beats and the warm feeling in my chest got a little too warm. I clenched my fist and dropped them to my sides, hoping it would go away.

We reached the top of the steep cliff that overlooked the water in a beautiful way. It took every ounce of my will power not to just propel myself of the edge. I took a deep breath of the sweet air and gazed at the water. The waves crashed lightly against the shore where I could faintly see three figures waving to us. I waved back and smiled even though I knew they wouldn't be able to see it.

"Who's going first?" Jared asked looking around the group. He stopped on me and raised his eyebrows. "Ladies first,"

Leah shoved past him rudely and perched herself at the edge readying herself for the jump, but not before muttering something under her breath about stupid male pigs and pretty girls. I didn't know what her problem was, but she had no right for any of this. She was beautiful herself, just in a more unique way. I was beautiful in the exotic way. I wanted so much to push her off the edge, just to teach her a lesson, but I held back.

She stood up tall, and with one graceful movement pushed herself off the edge, beginning to freefall. She fell through the air fast, like a bullet and landed straight into the water as if she was diving. It was a moment before she reached the surface again, but even then her face was marked in an almost permanent scowl. She swam away from the cliff and kept going, obviously not wanting to get out of the water.

"Okay, who's next?" Jake asked, pointing the question towards me.

"Oh, come on! Don't be afraid. All you need is a little push." I said grabbing his hand and pulling him to the edge.

The way his skin felt against mine made me want to pull away, but not because it hurt. No, the blissful tingling his skin sent throughout my entire body felt unimaginably good. It was one of the most amazing things I had ever felt, but it was also frightening; much like the warm feeling in my chest that wouldn't go away. I had no idea why it was happening or what it was doing to me, but for once in almost my entire life, I went with it. I let the warm feeling take me over and held on tight.

"Come on, just a little farther." I teased.

Jake was laughing, trying to pull back, but he wasn't using all of his strength. He was playing, like I was with him. We'll see if that changes when I throw you over the edge, I thought cynically to myself, smiling as if everything was okay.

I didn't plan to hurt him, just take him by surprise. I needed to teach every single one of these boys just how much damage I could do. When I was in the right place, I pivoted on my hips and swung him towards the water. I stumbled in the direction I threw him, but instead of throwing his arms out to catch his balance, he took a strong hold of my wrists with his hand and pulled me down with him.

I didn't have time to get away or wiggle out of his grasp, we were already free falling. He let go of my wrists and moved away so we wouldn't collide when we reached the water, but I wasn't really paying attention to that. I was completely submerged in the thrill of the free fall. I could feel the adrenalin start to fill me system and pump me up. I felt on top of the world. Closing my eyes I pointed me body so it wouldn't hurt when I crashed into the water.

The air was rushing up against my body, sending my hair in all directions and flapping the dress that I didn't get to remove before the jump wildly against my slender figure. I felt free again, almost as free as I felt at night when I could just give myself into the darkness and forget all of my troubles. The few seconds I was suspended in the air felt like minutes. I let myself give an exhilarating scream just before I hit the water.

The waves felt almost like a brick wall, but it didn't hurt too badly when I finally reached it. I spliced right through it like Leah had. There wasn't much of a splash, but I could feel the disturbance in the water as Jake hit it. He must have done a cannon ball or something, because a proper dive usually didn't cause that much of a reaction. As I dived deeper into the water I could feel my ears pop and fill with water.

When I opened my eyes I was amazed. I could see everything clearly, no need for a mask. The water was full or tons of fleeing salt water fish and underwater pants. They weren't like the plants you'd find in the Caribbean, but they were still beautiful with dark greens and some blacks. The underwater cliffs looked like cave walls, covered in moss and lichen. Everything underwater seemed so alive and full of wonder, I wanted to stay under forever, but I needed air. Taking one last glance around the wondrous land, I pushed myself up, swimming strong until I reached the top.

I gasped for air, relieved when the sweet, dry substance filled my lungs. I looked around to see where I was and began to swim toward shore.

"Are you okay?" Jake asked from a few feet away.

I faced him and smiled. "I'm all wet, but other than that I'm just peachy."

I splashed some water at him and he returned the gesture until we were in a full on water fight. My attention was removed from Jake when someone screamed from the top of the cliff as they jumped. I stared for shore again, wanting to take off my dress and check to make sure my Shynx was okay. I didn't want anyone other than me to ever wield it, but I was willing to bet that these boys would find away to hold it.

When I reached the shore Bella was cheering for me.

I went up to her and told her about the fall, trying to convince her to go, but she was determined not to.

I removed my wet dress, pulling it off over my head, and threw it next to my bag. When I turned around I had Jake and Embry staring while Leah grumbled under her breath. I could make out the statement clearly.

"Little tramp has to go and show all of us up, doesn't she." Her voice was coated thick envy.

I walked straight up to her fed up with her attitude. That was the last thing I was going to take form her. She was rude, mean, stuck up, and took an immediate disliking to any girl who wasn't Quileute.

"What's your problem? Do you have a problem with me?" I was screaming, the others only staring at me like I was a maniac.

She said nothing, she just stared at me with a deep loathing in her eyes.

"Well? If you have something say, say it to my face!" My voice was raging. "I've done nothing to you! What could you possibly have against me? You don't even know me!"

That set something off and she began to talk. "I know enough, you're just like every one of those preppy school girls whose daddy buys them everything! You think you're perfect and you have everything!"

My eye went wide. "That's what you think I am? I do not think I'm perfect or anything close to it. I'm far from perfect! And I don't have everything either-"

"Oh, don't try that with me!" Her face was turned in an unpleasant snarl. "Million dollar car, perfect body, money. You have everything anyone could possibly want.

"Is that what you think?"

"That's what I know!"

I got a determined look on my face. "My family is dead, I live alone, I move from state to state every year, and I've never had a real life in my entire existence. My whole life I was treated either as a student or a warrior." I brought my voice to a whisper so low that only she would be able to hear it. "I can never have a family and every second I have to look over my shoulder to make sure that no one's following me. Am I really all that perfect?"

The snarl started to soften just a bit, but after she thought about it for a second, she turned away and headed for the water saying in a low voice that she thought I wouldn't be able to hear: "Being human makes up for all of those things."

My eyes went wide and the words from my lips were only a whisper. "What? You say that like… like…"

Oh, god. What is she saying?

I turned around fast looking for my bag. As soon as it appeared in my sight I ran for it, crouching to get my Shynx and fast.

I knew there was something weird going on here.

I'd like to thank my new editor, DrooblesandDrachma. She's a fantastic writer and editor, and an even greater friend. I'm proud to be able to know her.

For those of you that care, I listened to Lilly Allen's entire collection while writing this story.

Please review!