{{Charlotte's POV}}
"A few years after you were born I came across a couple of vampires. At the time I just thought they were lost humans. I gave them directions, and as I turned to leave, they attacked me. At some point, I suppose one bit me. I remember screaming for a few days. After the first week of blood-cravings, I knew had to leave."
My mother was sitting across from Seth and me on the opposite couch. Seth was a little suspicious, but he was a little more relaxed after the first thirty minutes. I squeezed his hand to comfort him. He relaxed more into my side. I looked back up at my mother.
"Why did you decide to come here? To Forks?" I asked. She glanced between Seth and me. "What?"
"George grew up here...in La Push." She stared at me as if this would explain everything.
"So...you came back for the memories?" I asked.
She sighed. "I was his imprint."
Seth stiffened. I was confused for a brief second. "Was?"
She nodded. "After I became a vampire, it was clear that I wouldn't be able to return home to the both of you if I wanted to keep you alive. So I left and came here."
"You left without an explanation?" I asked.
"Yes, in a way. After all the chaos and searching died down, I wrote a letter explaining everything. We arranged a 'fake death'. It still wasn't me in the casket, just a look-a-like." She sat silently staring out the window at nothing in particular. This was all she had to say.
I looked at Seth. He was staring at her with a look of...admiration? I guess he had warmed up to her.
"How did Kayla and Andrew come into the picture?" he asked.
"I found them in an alley," she said still staring out the window. "They were homeless. I explained everything they were getting into if I changed them. Andrew fully agreed, but Kayla had to weight the options for a few moments. They're not as bad as you think."
"It's hard, isn't it?" Seth suddenly asked.
Arianna nodded. "Tremendously." She faced me. "I think you better be getting home. I don't want George to ground you. Come back anytime."
We stood and left without another word.
We were halfway to his house when I finally asked, "What exactly did you ask her?"
"She left her imprint. That's the hardest thing and biggest sacrifice I can ever imagine. It's not pain that fills you; it's the numbness. And to me, that's even worst than feeling any heartbreaking emotions."
"You like her now?" We stopped at my car.
"A little more. I still don't entirely trust her." I sighed. "Go eat and get some sleep." He kissed my forehead and went inside.
I drove silently home.
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There was a knock at my door.
"What?" I asked. I was laying on my bed reading. I wasn't exactly sure as to what because I couldn't get into it. My mind kept going over yesterday.
A head poked through the open door. "You want to go to Emily's." I glanced up to see Seth leaning against the doorframe.
"Sure. I haven't seen her or the rest of the guys in a while. I'll be down in a few minutes."
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(Seth's POV.)
It was around one when we showed up. Everyone was there and we exchanged hugs. Charlotte was strangely quiet as the rest of us talked and laughed. I asked her what was wrong, but she just waved the questions away every time. I'm sure everyone felt the tension between us and tried to ignore it the best they could. Eventually, we were the only ones left in the living room. It was their attempt of giving us some privacy. I pulled her into my lap. She rested her head against my shoulder.
"Charlotte?"
"Hmmm?"
"What's wrong with you? You seem a little distracted today."
"Oh. I was just thinking. About yesterday."
"About your mother?"
"Mostly. I feel like there's a hole inside me that's starting to fill up, you know? I finally found a missing part that I thought was gone forever, but now its back." She paused. "I want to see her again. There are a few questions I still want to ask."
She headed for the door before I could stop her. "I'll be back in maybe an hour."
"Hey, wait a second." I grabbed her hand. "No. You're staying here." I pulled her back inside the house.
"No, I'm not." She pulled her hand out of mine and glared at me. "I can go where I want when I please. I can take care of myself." She turned and left, slamming the door behind her. I stood staring after her.
"Seth, let her cool down for a while." Sam put his hand on my shoulder. "She'll understand eventually." He left and the others filed out one by one, each gave me a pat on the shoulder. Leah was the last to leave.
"Cheer up little brother. It's not the end of the world." It sure as hell felt like it.
I sank into the couch and threw my hands over my face. My imprint was upset with me, and there wasn't much I could do about it. I could not understand why she felt the need to go to her mother constantly. Then again, if I had a few more minutes with my dad, I'm sure I would take the opportunity. How did she not realize that if she got hurt, especially by her mother, that I would not forgive myself. Did she not realize how much I cared for her...how much I loved her?
It wasn't her fault entirely...it was her mother's. If she never became a vampire―never wanted to be a part of Charlotte's life―it would make things so much easier. We wouldn't have to worry about keeping Charlotte safe.
I jumped to my feet and punched the wall, leaving a massive hole.
"Damn it."
I needed time to myself. I'm sure the others were close enough that they could keep tabs on Charlotte. I wouldn't be gone that long anyway. An hour at the most. I headed towards the back door without bothering with shoes.
I hated feeling lost...
I hated blaming Arianna...
So many troubles came with the price of love...
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(Charlotte's POV.)
I slammed the door and I stormed out. I wasn't necessarily mad at Seth. I was mad because everyone thought I needed protection, like a child. I couldn't even walk to my own mailbox without seeing one of them! How was I supposed to live with all of them watching me?
I sat on the edge of the woods, just far enough away to be alone, but close enough so they could find me. I didn't want to cause more trouble.
"So unfair."
"Don't beat yourself up about it." I looked up to see Leah coming towards me. "He just doesn't want to lose you."
I stared at her.
She sighed and sat across from me. "I know I've been a bitch and probably not the first person you want to see right now, but I know how much he cares for you." We sat in silence without looking at each other.
I knew he cared, but I was still a person. I didn't want people constantly worrying about me. I'm sure they had better things to do than babysit.
I sighed. "And that makes it harder for me to be upset with him."
She nodded.
There was a loud bang from the house. Leah looked over my shoulder.
"I think he punched a hole in the wall," she said. "Emily's not going to be happy."
I turned to see the back door opening then closing as he left. I groaned. It didn't help for me to think that I was the cause for his anger.
"It's not your fault. Don't blame yourself."
"But it is. I don't want to cause harm to anyone, but that's all I seem to be doing lately." I blinked back the tears. I felt her shift towards me. She embraced me awkwardly from the side. I guess she didn't really get close enough to people to actually hug them.
"He'll be back in a while. I promise."
I wrapped my arms around her waist. She stiffened then relaxed after a few seconds. "Thank you."
She pulled away and stood. "So do you want to sit out here and stare at nothing or do you want to get out of here." She tried to smile. I laughed.
"Let's get out of here." I stood and wiped away the few tears that fell from my eyes.
"Since we can't go too far, how about be head out to the seaside."
"Sounds good to me, but I didn't bring a bathing suit."
"You can use one of Seth's shirts over your undergarments." I nodded. She began walking towards her house. "Hey, Leah?"
"Yeah?"
"Thanks."
"Don't mention it. Seriously, don't mention it. I don't want the guys to think I've gone soft. I would never hear the end of it."
We both smiled.