--------Chapter Seven-------

"You like him." Heather said as we drove back to my place. I shot her an accusatory glance.

"I do not!" I protested, and she smirked. She knew I was lying. But still--! Look at him, he was perfect. Exactly what I had wanted in a man, and more. The Lord and Lady must be giving me really good three fold, because Edward Cullen just fell out of the sky and into my life. Or, had I fallen into his? Well, either way I was now a part of his life, whether he wanted me to be or not. I pulled into the driveway just in time to hear a crash. Something glass…something heavy and glass.

"You jerk! Get out! Get out of Alex's house RIGHT NOW." KT called as she threw another plate that hit the open door. I heard a growl, and jumped out of the car and ran into my house to see Jacob Black…being assaulted by KT. Smart girl that KT was. I looked at Jacob, smiled at KT, and then scowled at Jacob again.

"I told you to not bother coming back."

"I didn't come here to see you." He spat back. He looked at KT, and his eyes were pleading.

"Babe, please—" I was frozen in place.

"Wait a second—babe? KT you are not…you couldn't be…"

"I was! But this—he's such a jerk! Alex, get him out of here."

"Out, you mangy mutt." I said. He scowled at me, and ran out, mumbling something about seeing KT later. She sighed and looked at me.

"I'm sorry about that. I was going to tell you about him and me but…anyways…someone came by for you today. It was …Edward, I believe? He said something about apologizing."

"Yeah, he'd better." I grumbled. After saying all that stuff to me…I shook my head. I looked at KT, and the house seemed strangely empty.

"Where is Chass?"

"Back in Maine. She had to go, her parents said she couldn't stay…and I might have to go back home too. My parents said that school and stuff…I'm sorry."

I was blinking, not quite comprehending what was going on. My two best friends were leaving me. I had just got them here in this hell hole and now they were leaving? I shook my head and turned to Heather.

"And what about you? Are you leaving me here too?"

She shook her head and gave me a big hug.

"No, I am not. I am here for good and there is nothing you can do about it. And you love me, you know it."

I smiled and hugged her back. At least someone was staying. I wouldn't have to suffer alone. I looked at KT and gave her a small smile.

"Well, it was nice having you here while you were. Come back and visit."

"I wouldn't dream of anything else." She said, and she walked upstairs to pack her things. I looked at Heather and rolled my eyes.

"I do not like him." I said firmly, walking away.

"Yes you do. Don't even try to deny it, because that only proves it further." And she walked over, into the living room, and turned on the TV. I growled at her and walked into the kitchen, when the phone rang. I answered it on the second ring.

"Hello, Thyme residence, Alex speaking. You have three seconds…"

"Alex, don't give me this. Not right now."

"…mom?" I said, sputtering like an idiot.

"Who else would it be? I need you to come home."

"No! I'm never coming back there, ever!" I said, getting ready to hang up on her.

"Tristan is sick…and he's been in the hospital."

I almost dropped the phone right then and there. My little brother…sick? In the hospital no less! My mouth was dry, and I couldn't speak. When I finally could, it was no better than a whisper.

"What is it, mom? Why this time?"

"The leukemia came out of remission. They think it's for good this time. That he isn't going to make it."

"How can they say that? Just condemn him to death like that?"

"Alex, they are doing the best they can, but it isn't enough. He wants to see you, before, you know…"

"Don't even say that, mom. Don't you dare finalize it like it is definite!"

I heard my mother sigh on the other line, and she spoke again and it was a tone I have never heard my mother use. Regret, fear, and the emanate lingering tone…of death.

"Alex, come home. Come see him before you miss your chance."

I sat there, not wanting to say it, but knowing that it had to be said, and I, too, had to come to terms with my little brother's soon to be demise.

"….I'm on my way home."

--------End Chapter Seven-------