The next day I woke up expecting brilliant sunshine to be streaming through my window, but the only light in the room came from the grey haze outside. It was foggy and rainy, two things I had not seen in a very long time. So it wasn't a dream, I thought to myself, I really am in the middle of nowhere. Well at least the reception from Chris' parents went well. They were genuinely nice people, a little bit on the small town side, but that was to be expected. They were gracious hosts and had made sure I had everything I wanted. My comfort was their top priority, they had said. Little did they know that what I really wanted was about 10,000 miles away.

I got up to stretch and looked out the window. Well, it certainly was different. Yet as I stared closer, I couldn't help but see a beauty in the profusion of green. The tall ancient trees that hinted at an entire history different from my own. It was breathtaking in a way home could never be. Suddenly, I was startled by a knock on the door.

"Shanae, honey." It was Chris' mom, Sheryl. "Are you awake?"

"Yes. Good morning Mrs. Ford."

"Oh, please call me Sheryl. I was wondering what you wanted for breakfast."

I smiled. They were so nice. "Anything will be fine. Thank you, Sheryl."

"No problem. Oh and hon, you might want to get dressed quickly. After breakfast we're going over to visit a family friend."

Great, I thought. I hope it's not another relative. Meeting all of Chris' family made me anxious for some reason. I got that strange feeling again, like I was rushing into this at 100 miles an hour.

* * *

"So who is it that we are visiting?" I asked Chris as I climbed into the rental car, it was a really nice black mustang. Very mysterious and even badass looking.

"We're going over to Chief Swan's house. He went to school with my parents and they were pretty good friends. I haven't been to his place in years. I heard his daughter came up to live with him about 6 years ago from Phoenix. Mom and Dad said she got married though to some guy and she doesn't visit very often."

"Oh. Did you ever meet her?"

"Yeah. We had a class together senior year, but we weren't really friends. I was more into the sports scene, so most of my friends were jocks."

It was so weird trying to imagine Chris' life before we met. I felt curiosity burning in me, but before I could ask another question we were at our destination. The first thing I noticed was not the house, but the gorgeous and very expensive looking vehicle parked outside.

"Wow. I thought people here were less conspicuous in their choices, Chris. He must get paid pretty well. Not even in Madrid have I seen a car like this."

Chris looked puzzled too; apparently this was not Chief Swan's car.

Chris knocked on the door and I expected some mob boss type man to open the door, so I was surprised when I saw a pretty average looking middle aged man.

"Hey Chief!"

"Christian, is that you? Haven't seen you in years! How are you? How's Rod? And Sheryl?"

"Great. They are doing great. They'll be here in a bit. Mom insisted on bringing a homemade cake so she told us to come ahead and keep you company. That's a sweet ride Charlie."

"Sure is. Hey, come on in. We'll wait for your parents inside."

I looked at him appreciatively. The rain was starting to make me shiver.

Walking into Charlie's house was more than awkward. I immediately sensed tension in the atmosphere. Not only did I walk into the home of someone I didn't know, but I also felt like I shouldn't be here. A few seconds later, I realized why.

Seated on the sofa in the living room was a very beautiful girl seated next to a breathtakingly handsome young man. They were beautiful in the way only people from this area could be. Incredibly pale, as though their skin had never seen the sun in all their lives. Yet, they didn't look sick, they looked strong. It felt rude to stare, but for some reason I felt such an intense urge to learn more about them. They were easily the most interesting people I had met in Forks.

After a couple seconds of tension, Charlie broke the ice by asking Chris who I was.

"Well, she is actually the reason we're here. I'd like to present Ms. Shanae Torres, my fiancé."

"Well, will you look at that. Little Chris Ford is getting married. And you're what, 23? 24?"

"24, sir" Chris said. As though he was trying to defend his age. Then he noticed the other two people seated on the sofa. "Bella, is that you?" he asked incredulously.

She looked up at him with strange golden eyes. I'd never seen anyone with that color eye before. For a second I wondered if she were related to the boy next to her.

"It's nice to see you Chris. It's been a while, hasn't it?" The way she said that made me think she really preferred that we leave. Now.

Chris didn't pick up on it and began a brief summary of what he had been up to since graduating from Forks High.

I took the opportunity to speak to Charlie, but the entire time I felt as though someone's eyes were on me. "So Charlie, this is your daughter?" I asked. He looked at me as though he was surprised I knew. "Oh, Chris told me you had a daughter he went to school with. I just assumed this was her."

"Oh." He smiled, aware that his pause had made me uncomfortable. "Yes, this is Bella, and that is her husband, Edward." I turned to formally introduce myself and was caught unaware by Edward's penetrating glance. He looked uncomfortable. Extremely uncomfortable. Not understanding his reaction I put my hand out for him to shake. He took it, barely touching mine. His skin was icy cold, I guess that's what living in the Pacific Peninsula can do to you. I next turned to Bella, but before I could extend my hand toward her, Edward got up grabbing Bella's arm.

"Well, Charlie. We wouldn't want to take you away from your visitors, and it seems more have just arrived. Bella and I will come back tomorrow."

"Um. Ok, sure. That's just fine." Said Charlie as the doorbell rang. Chris' parents had finally shown up.

"It was a pleasure to meet you." Edward said to us both as he made his way out, followed by Bella.

I sat there for a moment contemplating that strange introduction. Something strange was going on here but I pushed it out of my mind and sat down to have a piece of Sheryl's homemade blueberry crumble.