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As usual, I don't own Twilight or anything Twilight related. Just Brie and company!

Six

Dante

It was the man in the pinstripe this time, whose silvery hair, tinted blue in the sunlight clashed horribly with the faded yellow striping. He smiled at me, crossing his arms over his broad chest in a way that reminded me of Jacob, which in turn, reminded me of Chase.

"Don't get attached."

Suddenly his eyes grew bright, like the other woman's had, but they didn't fade to black. Instead, they seemed to softly shimmer, light silver in color. His hair reminded me of the silky hair from the elves off of the Lord of the Rings movies. He came towards me and I realized I was standing without my cast on, my leg perfectly healed. I took a step and the room seemed to light up around me. The man laughed and then turned serious.

"As I said. Do not get attached." He bowed, taking a step back. "Hope belongs to no one which means, as sad as it is, Hope cannot love one more than the other."

"What does that even mean?" I asked. Again, my mouth didn't move, but my voice simply echoed.

"Come find us, Brielle." He said, turning. On the back of his neck was an iridescent tattoo that I couldn't make out. "We cannot find you."

I woke up. The clock, softly illuminated on the wall by my new nightlight said 11:50. For the first time in a long time, the darkness wasn't bringing me that familiar choking fear like it usually did.

With a grumble, I rolled over and went back to sleep.

* * *

I hated medical tables. They made me feel . . . vulnerable. But Carlisle was certainly insistent that he check my leg to make sure it was healing properly. Now with the cast gone, I took the time to scratch at my irritated skin. Granted, the smell once the cast was removed wasn't the most pleasant thing in the world but it felt really good to have it off. He checked out my leg for the moment and I was surprised to find that his touch didn't hurt like I thought it might.

"Brielle," he said after a few moments. "Move your leg for me . . . just back and forth. Push it against my hand."

He kept his hands on my leg and I swung it casually. His eyebrows furrowed and he had me stop. He pressed around a little more and then stood back with a sigh.

"I want to try something . . . but you need to promise you'll stop if something hurts."

"Um . . . alright."

"Try standing up."

"But . . ."

"Try."

I shrugged my shoulders. Fine. He was the doctor. If this screwed my leg up more, it would be his fault. It wasn't like I was paying for anything anyway.

Slowly, I pushed myself to the edge of the table, reaching my good leg out first, and then tentatively stepping out on my other foot. A shiver spread up through my toes as my skin came in contact with the cold tile . . . but that was it. Nothing else hurt, my leg felt completely normal. I started to walk forward when he stopped me.

"Don't, it could still be broken."

I sighed and stood still as he concluded to run another X-ray.

"It just doesn't make any sense," he muttered later, looking at my leg on the light up board. "You at least had a couple more weeks to go, I was sure of it. By the looks of the X-ray, it's as though it were never even broken. I was even thinking you might need another month before . . ."

"This doesn't mean I have to make decision sooner, does it?" I asked in a rush.

He turned back to me, confused at first and then his eyes softened. He smiled.

"Of course not. I promised you three weeks; and that's what you get."

I nodded and pushed myself down from the table. He continued to look at my leg uncertainly but didn't say anything as I slowly walked from one end of the room to the other. It felt completely fine, as he had said, as though he had never even been broken. My leg wasn't even stiff from behing held straight for so long.

"I feel fine." I said stubbornly.

"Maybe you should wear a brace just in case . . ."

I sighed. "Ah, c'mon Carlisle . . . don't make me pull a puppy dog face."

"It doesn't work for Alice, it wont work for you." He laughed. "Now you stay here and I'll be back. Let's just try it for one day and see how it goes, alright?"

I sighed and jumped back up on the table. "Fine."

* * *

The brace came off as soon as I got to school. Carlisle was so kind as to squeeze me really early that morning so I didn't miss any class . . . lucky me.

I was stuffing the brace in my locker when a hand thudded into the locker to my right. I jumped and glanced around to see Dante smirking at me.

"Did I scare you?" he asked smoothly. "Hmm . . . no crutches today, lucky you!"

I blinked up at him and scowled. I slammed my locker and slung my book bag on my back and looked around for the posse that had befriended me earlier this week, feeling my stomach drop when they weren't in their usual spot by the heater.

"Jennifer agreed to some duo singing gig with Mariah; they're practicing. Kimberly is an artist who is going in for some extra support this morning. Kirby has gone off on a volleyball game today." He ran a finger along my jaw line. "I've got you all to myself."

His cold touched drew a sneer from my lips and my mind flicked into defense mode. A second before I struck, he realized it had been a wrong move and his eyes grew wide.

"No! Don-!"

SMACK!

"You have officially surpassed creepy and are edging on stalker, you realize that?" I hissed, my hand still clenched.

He didn't respond for a moment, rubbing the side of his face where I had struck him. His bright eyes regarded me almost fearfully as other students slowed, mostly girls, staring at me as if in awe. In a huff, I turned on my heel, tossing my hair for good show.

"Woah, hey wait!" I heard him call out halfway down the hall. I stopped just to humor him. "What was that . . . you're malicious!"

I turned and crossed my arms, giving him a raised eyebrow.

"I don't play well with jocks." I prodded a finger into his chest. "And if you ever touch me like that again, I'll castrate you."

He took a step back and I smiled.

I couldn't understand it; Dante just made me hate him. The sad part about it, he was a good looking guy and part of me really . . . really . . . liked that. I couldn't understand it, how the two contradicted each other. Even his cologne was attractive, though I couldn't quite place what scent it might be. It bothered me to even feel this way in the slightest way. It made me angry.

"Fine," he said, more subdued. I saw his jaw was clenched, but his eyes still glinted. "I'm sorry I offended you."

"Good." I muttered, satisfied. I even got an apology without asking – I guess I scared him. I started heading towards Mr. Alsop's class, beings I had nothing better to do.

"Math this early in the morning?" Dante was in front of me again, blocking my path to the doors. I glared. "C'mon! We've got at least a good ten minutes before we have to sit through that torture chamber."

"We are not doing anything. You are going to shove off and I am going to –"

"So what were you doing coming out of Dr. Cullen's car this morning?" he interjected, smiling wickedly.

He succeeded; he caught me way off guard.

"What?"

"You're another foster child of the Cullen's, aren't you?" he grinned, pressing closer. I stepped back. "I had a sneaking suspicion you might be. Hm . . . imagine how jealous your friends will be?"

"What? No! I'm . . . well . . . I mean . . ." I clenched my jaw furiously as I felt myself step back against a row of lockers.

He placed his hands a few inches away on either side of me, looking down with his piercing gazing. He seemed almost predator like, the way he was looking at me. I felt my hands grow warm and sweaty as I touched the cool surface of the lockers behind me.

"You're beautiful . . . when you're angry." He laughed, backing up.

"Listen." I growled lowly, lashing up to grab his shirt collar and pull him down to eye level. "If you say one word of me staying with the Cullen's, I swear you'll pay for it . . ."

"Why? Are you embarrassed about staying with them? I hear the men are eye candy."

"Oh so you just want me to try and hook you up with one of the guys?" He shut up with a sneer and I let go of his shirt, placing my hands on me hips. "For your ears only, nothing's official yet so hush up about it."

"Hey Brie!"

I turned to see Kim calling out to me. I sighed in relief. She had a large art portfolio slung over one shoulder, walking ahead of Mariah and Jenn who had been talking but were now looking at me oddly. Mariah turned excitedly then, pointing at me . . . and Dante. Jenn had a glint in her eyes that looked distantly similar to Alice's.

Ah hell . . . I thought. I could see where this was heading already.

"Go join your friends." Dante said pleasantly, backing away. "I'll see you in math."

I rolled my eyes when his back was turned. I was right; he really was too full of himself.

"Oh. My. God." I bit my lip and directed attention to the floor as I heard Jennifer's excited voice suddenly burst my eardrum. "Were you just talking to Dante Aurelius?"

"Um . . ."

Kim and Jenn squealed together as Mariah stood looking at me jealously.

"Kirby is going to flip when she finds out . . ." she said. "What did he say? Are you two . . ."

"We are nothing." I said crossly.

"Oh look your cast is off . . ." Kim said and then she changed her direction. "You do realize he doesn't talk to just anyone? Actually . . . I think you're the first person I've seen him ever talk to willingly."

"You are so lucky!" squealed Jenn again. "Oh my God his hair . . . his eyes . . . he's so hot!"

"He's an ass." I muttered.

"Yes, he's got a hot one of those too . . ." said Mariah offhandedly. The rest of them giggled.

"Alright . . ." Kim finally said. "We won't tease you about."

"But we're still insanely jealous." Said Jenn.

"God he's like the only hot guy in school and he's so . . ." Mariah sighed defeated. "Untouchable. It's not fair."

"So what do you guys talk about?" Kim inquired excitedly.

The others gathered around to listen and I groaned.

"Nothing worth my while."

I had been around the four of them long enough to know the way their minds worked. They were an entertaining bunch, I'd have to give them that. Especially when Mariah the atheist and Jennifer the Catholic got into religious arguments while Kirby and Kim, both neither Christian nor atheist, took bets on when food would fly. Jennifer usually struck with peas. But when guys were the subject . . . oh boy, if it wasn't the gutter it was the typical gossip. Or jokes, depending on the day and what food had been consumed.

"Come on, you have to at least admit he's really good looking."

"Whatever," I said, not wanting to admit that some part of me did like him.

Mariah smiled knowingly at me and as soon as the bell rang, I dashed away before anyone else could say anything to get me in more trouble.

* * *

At lunch I played with my colorful assortment of fruit I had piled on my plate. I wasn't up for the leftover cheese pizza they had available and so went for the next best option.

"They got cats in today!" Jennifer was saying. "The senior class is going to start dissecting them next week!"

"You're sick." Kim said, putting her fork down. "We're trying to eat here."

"I don't really care. Its biology, it's not like they killed the cats." Mariah spoke up.

"No but it's still sad . . . and rather unpleasant to talk about during lunch." She tossed her milk to Jennifer; I just realized today that she wasn't lactose intolerant like I had thought. She just didn't like milk, of any kind. "Besides, you don't count Mariah. You're a pessimist."

"I like cats!" she said defensively.

I vaguely heard the rest of the conversation, picking at my food, not tasting anything.

How had Dante known I was staying with the Cullen family? So he had seen me come out of Carlisle's vehicle . . . no one else had ever seemed to noticed, it was such a fast, discreet thing, even Carlisle didn't want to bring to much attention to the fact that I was living with them yet. It left a heavy weight in my stomach and I couldn't really say why it bothered me so much.

I risked a quick glance up into his regular corner where he sat, his food untouched, his steely gaze directed at me. Except this time, I didn't look away. He smiled crookedly, the only imperfection on his face and it only made him look better. My hands gripped my pant legs. I stared at him hard and stuck a fork his mouth, gnawing on the ends. I rolled my eyes and directed my attention once more at the fruit on my plate.

I didn't know how to feel about him. The other girls seemed to really like him, but they hadn't talked to him by the sounds of it. Mariah had described him as untouchable . . . what kept them from talking to him? They weren't exactly the shy type. Maybe it was more that he avoided them.

"Earth to Brie!"

I jolted back as someone shoved a fork in my line of vision and looked up to see the three of them grinning at me.

"Did you hear us, or is your mind still on that luscious fruit salad you've created there?" Kim asked dramatically.

I blushed. "No . . . sorry . . . I guess I was off elsewhere . . . what was the question?"

"La Push?" Mariah asked, as if I should know what meant.

I blinked at her and looked at Jenn.

"The La Push beach . . . Quileute rez. We go there every once and while to hang out, we got some friends on the reservation to. The water's really cold, especially this time of year, but its fun to walk the beach." Jenn explained.

"It's nice to make a fire too," Kim added. "And have s'mores and stuff."

"Good way to kill a Saturday." Mariah agreed. "Wanna come?"

"Um . . . I guess . . . I'll have to ask though." I stuck a grape in my mouth. I had no idea where that was and usually if there was a campfire, that meant there was darkness. I felt safer spending the weekend with Rosalie if I had to.

"Oh! She should ask Dante!" Jenn said suddenly.

Great . . . yes . . . . that's exactly what I want to do . . .

"Do you think he would come?" Mariah asked, suddenly very interested in my coming with them.

"Maybe if she was with us . . ." Kim mentioned excitedly.

They all looked at me pleadingly.

"Oh come on, guys! Really?" I sighed, giving my best disgusted look ever.

"You can't deny it, he likes you." Mariah said. "Why else would he single you out?"

Then I had an idea. He was rising from his corner table to throw away his uneaten food and I rose too.

"You're right," I said, to all their surprise. "Let's ask him. I'll corner him, you three follow through, 'kay?"

I was starting to feel giddy. He would hate this.

"Oh Jenn!" Kim suddenly jumped up in excitement. "Dare for you!"

Oh God what had I started . . .?

I smiled awkwardly as Jennifer leaned over to let her Tuesday twin to let her whisper something in her ear. I had no idea what they were scheming but I guess I would find out. Right now, I had one primary goal. . .

I left them, dumped my tray, and speed walked out of the cafeteria, dodging a few other students that had decided to leave lunch early. I saw Dante up ahead and readied myself to use some feminine charm. I wasn't sure how good I was at this, but it was worth a shot, I figured.

"Dante!" I called.

I few startled heads turned my direction, and one of them was his. He looked genuinely surprised. I smiled and caught up with him.

"Brielle . . .what - ?"

"I wanted to ask you something . . ." I hedged, giving the others time to catch up.

He smiled coolly, his bright, golden eyes glinting.

"And that would be?"

I cocked my head to the side, letting a thick, twisted strand of hair to fall into my face. Twisting my fingers behind me, in a nervous fashion, I leaned forward, making him back up a step. I batted my eyelashes for good measure.

"I was . . . wondering . . ." I put hesitation in my voice, just because it seemed to work for the girls on TV. "If you were busy this Saturday?"

He gave me another crooked smile and my own lips twitched in a real grin, but I kept my head clear.

"Why, what's happening this Saturday?"

I turned my head to the other side, stepping up closer, standing on tip toe, and looking him in the eye.

"La Push." I said simply. He was from around here; he should know what that meant right? "I was wondering if . . . you, uh . . . wanted to join me there?"

"So let me get this straight . . . first you slap me, then you ask me on a date?"

"Mhmm . . ." I responded, looking up from under my eyelashes. God this was sickening. Where were they? "What can I say? I get . . . nervous around you."

"Typical reaction." He said, grinning widely now. "And who, might I ask, will be there?"

Thankfully I was saved from having to answer that question. Jenn and Kim came flying out of nowhere and I stepped back to avoid being mauled as Jennifer jumped in front of him, exclaiming very loudly:

"YOU'RE UGLY!"

Mariah soon joined them, lightly hitting the back of her head as Jenn and Kim exchanged high fives and then began apologizing to him quickly, their words coming faster than the speed of light. I laughed behind my hand at his startled look as Mariah tried to talk over them, asking him if he was going to join them all as my date. The bell rang, and they still had him cornered. Hefting my bag on my shoulders, I turned to go with the crowd when I heard him call out to me.

"Brie, you are the snake that Saint Patrick missed!"

I responded with a chuckle and a flip of my hair as I walked with the afternoon rush of the crowds, leaving him alone with the posse.

Well, one thing was for sure – he did know how to come up with some good sayings.

* * *

I had gotten used to waiting inside until the student parking lot had cleared until someone showed up for me. Alice usually picked me up because Carlisle had to work at the hospital until later, so I wasn't surprised to find the yellow Porsche waiting for me after I strapped my brace back on and gimped out into the parking lot. When I got in however, Alice wasn't there; it was Jasper.

"Oh . . . hey." I said, smiling.

He looked nervous. He looked nervous a lot, especially when alone.

"Alice couldn't come today." He said before I could ask the question. "Esme, Rose and her all went out to Port Angeles to meet with a one of Esme's relatives."

"Oh, I see," I said. "Well that's alright. So I'm just stuck with guys tonight, I guess?"

He chuckled a little as he pulled out onto the road. "Yes, it's looking that way. Don't worry, Emmett's under strict orders not to maul or tackle or cause you any further physical damage."

"Ha! I could take him."

Jasper gave me a sideways glance and a worried smile.

"Is that so?"

"Yep!" I said, smiling proudly as I remembered my moment with Dante today. "Actually took care of one big ego today already – he'll think twice about his antics again, that's for sure."

Jasper's face changed and for a second I was worried I said the wrong thing.

"Are you getting harassed at school, Brielle?"

The sudden change to becoming all "big brother" surprised me a little and a bit my lip before responding.

"Nothing . . . major. It's not like . . ."

"Sorry," he said, gripping the steering wheel. "I have this . . . thing with "men" today. Even in my class I couldn't stand to watch how they treated the girls. It's gross."

Wow. A real gentleman. I took a closer look and shrugged it off, smiling a little while giving him a nudge.

"Thanks for the concern," I said. "Alice is really lucky to have you."

He smiled fondly when I said her name and shook his head. "No. I'm really lucky to have her."

It was a real romance they had; even the normal overused cheesy stuff just seemed to work for Jasper and Alice. It was simple, sweet and pure.

"But like I was saying." Said Jasper. "If you have . . . trouble . . . let us know. At least Carlisle, or tell someone at the school."

"It's not really physical harassment," I admitted. "He's just annoying."

"Well if he get's too annoying, let us know." He winked at me. "Emmett and I are known to impose fear on those that annoy our family."

Our family . . .

I wasn't sure if he even realized what he said but I discovered I lost my tongue. Everyone seemed so sure I would stay . . . and though I thought I might – I mean, the only one that openly disliked me was Rosalie – there was still that little bit in me that wanted to run. Stray . . . it said . . . A stray is all that you are . . .

When we arrived to the Cullen house, Emmett bounded out the door, displeased to see the pizza boxes in our hands.

"I told you I was cooking!" he grumbled.

Jasper smirked. "Exactly why I bought the pizzas. I'd rather Carlisle not have to have save Brie from food poisoning."

Jasper took the box I carried and lead the way into the house. Emmett grabbed me from behind and knuckled my head, holding me in a head lock.

"So how's my future little sister?"

I yelped and then began to laugh as he pinned me down and tickled me.

"Emmett! Jeeze, don't hurt her!"

Emmett paused to look up at Jasper. "C'mon Jazz don't freak out, it's not like I'm going to kill her."

"Yeah . . ." I said, trying to catch my breath. "This girl's made of tougher stuff than most!"

This was said as I successfully fell backwards, unable to stabilize myself due to the brace. I crashed on the carpet with a muffled giggle.

"Yeah," chuckled Emmett. "I can see that."

Still laughing I pushed myself up and straightened out my brace. Jasper eyed me cautiously but shook his head, blond curls bouncing.

"So who's up for a movie?" Emmett said, helping back onto my feet. "I vote for Interview With a Vampire!"

Jasper laughed. "Sure it's not too scary for you, Em?"

I froze and swallowed. Jasper looked my direction.

"I'd rather not." I said. Darkness had always been a fear of mine. Dark things sometimes fell into that category. "All the blood and the death and . . . blood drinking . . . not really my thing."

"Oh." Said Emmett, looking interestedly at Jasper. "Well . . . then . . ."

"We have tons of other movies." Jasper said quickly. "Let's let her pick, huh Em?"

Emmett blinked for a moment and then gave in, giving me a slight nudge. "Alright but nothing too girly and nothing Nessie watches!"

I spent a good ten minutes going through all their movies . . . and they did have a lot . . . when I finally chose one, the perfect one, to get back at Emmett for picking on me. If he was going to start sibling bonding now, then I wasn't going to be left behind. When I was finally ready, I popped the disk in, jumped on the couch with a pillow clutched to my chest and waited . . .

"A Walk to Remember?" Emmett exclaimed. "You're killing me, Brie!"

I giggled quietly to myself as Jasper told him to stop moaning.

I had to admit; I was loving this family more and more.