Disclaimer: I don't own any rights to Twilight's original characters.
I woke up on my birthday to the Emily and the other imprints prodding me. I tried to roll over, but Leah poked me in my sides so many times I laughed and fell out of the bed with a thump. Once I got settled back in bed, now fully awake, the girls started singing and they placed a cake in my lap. I raised my eyebrows at them, but they just started singing Happy Birthday and gave me a fork. I blew out the candles, making a wish to be able to spend the rest of my life with Colin. I know, it's crazy, but I can't help it.
After he kissed me a few nights before, we talked about casual stuff for awhile. It was nothing big, just a regular conversation, until about midnight when he left. The next few nights he stopped by again, sitting in the desk chair while I lay in the bed. We talked about a few things and he would casually slip in that I looked adorable or pretty, or that he loved my eyes, which would result in my blushing. Just the thought of him made me giddy.
"This is how my parents used to do birthdays when I was growing up," Emily explained, taking a bite of the cake. I did too, and almost groaned out of satisfaction. It was the best red velvet cake in the world.
"So, this is how we'll be doing it from now on?" I asked, taking more cake.
"Sure will." she said. "Until you move out, at least."
With Colin, I thought to myself. Like I said, I couldn't help it. Something about him just made me feel like everything was set in stone.
"So, time for presents." Kim said, handing me a box.
"You guys didn't have to buy me presents," I blushed.
"It's your birthday, of course we did," Rachel rolled her eyes, shoving the present closer. I sighed and unwrapped it hesitantly.
It was a journal. She told me that when she got over powering emotions, she would write down her feelings and turn those into stories, so she thought it might be a good idea for me as a young teenager. From Kim, I got a beautiful necklace that looked as if it were three different necklaces if the same style, but different links. From Leah, I got a charm bracelet with no charms. She explained that every birthday, I would add a charm that represented something that happened the year previous, and over the years, it would build a bunch of memories. From Emily, I got a ring. It was silver and gold, and looked like a bunch of tree branches intertwined. On the branches were leaves and pink stones so small, you could barely see them.
After getting the presents, I was told to get up and get ready to go see my new room. I slipped on some jeans and a long sleeved, green v-neck shirt, as well as grey boots that I tucked my jeans in and then pulled my hair back into a ponytail and was ready to go.
We pulled into the house just in time to see the pack come filing out. I was excited and couldn't wait. When I got out of Emily's car, Colin approached me.
"Hey, princess," he said, taking my hand.
"Hey," I blushed as our fingers intertwined.
"I've been given the job to show you the room," he said, grinning.
"Great, let's go!" I said, pulling on his arm towards the house. I tried to ignore the snickers from the guys, and headed inside. The paint fumes filled the air and my nostrils the second we stepped in, but I walked forward anyways.
"Ready?" Colin asked me, one hand on the door knob to my room. I nodded and the door swung open, revealing what I'd been anxious for.
The carpet was white, and the walls a light brown. The windows were covered with sheer curtains that had a faint trace of leopard print on them. The bed was large, with bedding that was starch white. There was another rug on the floor, and it was soft faux lion fur. The bedside table and dresser were a dark brown, almost black. On the walls were four pictures; a large one of an African safari, and three smaller ones of a zebra, a lion, and a cheetah. In two corners of the room were large plants. I loved everything, feeling as if I had walked into an African safari.
"What do you think?" Colin asked, setting a hand on my arm. "Do you like it?"
"No," I said, taking a breath. Once I saw the sad look on Colin's face, I grinned. "I love it."
He grinned back and wrapped his arms around me, swinging me around in a circle. I laughed as his arms tightened around my waist and he kissed my cheek, almost fainting with delight.
How embarassing would that be?
"You really love it?" Sam asked, coming into the room. I tried to get out of Colin's grasp. I'd never been a fan of public affection, especially in front of my over protective brother. But, Colin just twisted me around and kept his arms around my waist.
I nodded to Sam. "I do. It's perfect. Thank you so much."
"Well?" Sam asked, smiling. "Come on, I want a hug."
I nudged Colin. "You have to let me go."
I looked at Sam's amused expression. His eyes had this look in them when he glanced at Colin and me that I didn't like. It bothered me.
I reached up and hit him behind the head. "Shut up old man."
"I didn't say anything!" he called as I walked out of the room.
I threw my hands up in the air, grumpy from the look in Sam's eyes. "It was implied!" and I ran out of the door.
)-(
For some reason, I'd always enjoyed running. I felt in control, and able to let loose. I wasn't the controlled young lady that I always was. I was able to be fiery, and free. The way I was around Colin.
God, I couldn't go five minutes without thinking of him. Honestly, I didn't know what made me so upset about that look from Sam. Maybe it was that the look in his eyes was amused and knowledgeable, like he knew what I was feeling. I didn't like that I was that much if an open book. Maybe it was the fact that I didn't like being seen through, and people reading me. I felt like someone had invaded my privacy.
How I was able to run in tight jeans and boots, I wasn't sure. But, when I came to a little clearing and decided to rest, I still felt fine.
I had my head upside down when I heard him. I'd always had sharp hearing. Soon, his footsteps got louder, and I heard him stop behind me.
"You're human," Colin said, question in his voice. I flipped my head over and faced him.
"Thanks for noticing," I replied, eyeing him strangely.
"No, I mean, you ran really fast. Like, if I wasn't a wolf I wouldn't be here yet," he shrugged.
"Well, that's...interesting." I said.
"Not as interesting, I'm sure, as why you ran off," he took a step closer. "Why did you run off?"
I sighed. "I'm not sure."
"There has to be some reason," he said, looking upset. I didn't like seeing him that way. Honestly, the look on his face almost broke my heart.
I explained the feelings I got when someone "saw through me." He put his hands on my waist and pulled me close to him. I laid my hands on his exposed chest, feeling older and somewhat more mature. But not in the way I'd always been. This was the feelings of a woman for a man; the way his touch set me on fire and how my heart rate went out of control at the simple thought of him…that made me feel older.
"Sam's look was because of me. I haven't hidden my emotions very well, and that feeling you got that he knows what's going on, is because he can see in my head during patrol. He knows how strongly I feel about you, and that's why I don't bother hiding anything. Everyone knows how I feel, and I don't mind."
"How do you feel Colin?" I asked.
"What do you mean?" he asked.
"You said that everyone knows how you feel." I explained. I couldn't breathe, his look was so intense. "Well, tell me how you feel."
"When I see you, I feel different. For a second, I'm not a werewolf who kicks vampire ass. I'm actually a person. And when I see you, I feel happy and alive, like I'm renewed each time you blink your eyes." naturally, I blinked. "Now, I haven't known you that long, only about two weeks. But, I think I...no. I don't think, I know...that I love you. And I feel no need to hide that."
"Maybe I should look at things from your perspective," I breathed out, struck by the truth in his voice. I knew he wasn't lying. "Because, honestly, I guess I shouldn't hide the fact that..."
"That what?" Collin whispered. We were so close. I heard thunder rumble, but it sounded distant.
"That I love you," I whispered back. His nose was touching mine, and even though it was November, I wasn't cold. I was filled with warmth, most of it from Collin.
And right there, as the rain started to pour down, Collin kissed me for the second time.