Bella, Angela and I all decided to eat at the diner. Angela called her parents to let them know, and Bella said her father was working the late shift at the station. We ate a good meal, and the girls decided to accompany me back to the hostel. We talked for a few hours, getting to know one and other, and I had to make up a few untruths on the spot. They were believable, though. After a while, Bella left as she had plans to meet with Alice. Angela said she would drop her off before she headed home. I thanked the girls for their time, and we arranged our meeting for Wednesday. Waving the girls off, I felt happy that I had made friends with them. They were honest, pleasant girls, and I knew that I would spend a lot of time with them. I decided to head to bed early, as I wanted to shop for a car in the morning. As much as I loved running, it wasn't always practical, so I needed transport.

My sleep was peaceful and uneventful, and I woke refreshed. After washing and dressing, I headed for the kitchen, where I could hear the clanging of pots again. Mrs. Weber cooked breakfast for me again, but I insisted on clearing up. After the cleaning duties were done, I wished Mrs. Weber a good day, and set off for the nearest car dealership. It wasn't exactly large, but it was stocked with a few good vehicles. There were all sorts of cars on the lot from everyday use vehicles, to the top sports models. Well, I loved speed, so I picked myself a brand new, sleek, shiny red Corvette C6. It was a stunning looking car, and the salesman assured me I would turn heads. I didn't particularly want the attention, but I certainly did want it's 6.0L V-8 LS2 engine, with it's top speed of 186 mph. I paid with my card, and decided to take it for a ride straight away.

The engine purred as I put my foot down, when I was outside the town limits. I didn't push it too hard, though. I didn't want any undue attention. I would need to wait until I was further away from town. I headed in the direction of Port Angeles, deciding I could make a start on buying things for my home. I would leave the furnishing and décor until I was with the girls, but I could buy some simple things like kitchen utensils, pots and pans, and plates, bowls and mugs. Things like that wouldn't need an interior designer, surely? I didn't shop for long, as I needed to head back and pick up my keys for the house. I would then need to look through it and determine what work needed doing. After loading my small amount of purchases in the car, I headed back to Forks. I cruised at a leisurely pace, and looked at the surroundings. About two miles from the town line, a flash caught my peripheral vision. I immediately shot my sense out, and found a very large animal. A wolf? A werewolf? I tightened my sense on it. No, not a werewolf, but a shape shifter. In Forks? Oh my stars. I would never have guessed there would be supernatural beings here, but looking at the landscape, I could understand why. The abundance of forest and wilderness, was the perfect terrain for them, and such a small town wouldn't pose a threat. And the wolves obviously didn't pose a threat to the town, either, as they were protectors. But their presence only meant one thing. Vampires. I hissed. I knew that vampires were dangerous to humans. Everything supernatural was ingrained in my head, so that I could protect myself from danger, and protect others, if need be. I thought of the girls. They hadn't told me any myths or legends of the town, or said of anything that was untoward, like missing people or hikers. Everything seemed to be normal. If there were any danger, surely they would have warned me. Told me that there was a mad axe murderer, or crazy stalkers in the neighbourhood, but they hadn't mentioned a thing. Maybe it was just a nomad passing through that had triggered the shape shifter. That had to be it, but I would need to be as alert as I could for the time being. I needed to hone my sense, and ready it for working while I rested. It would act as my lungs did. It would work without me thinking about it, but I had to train it first.

After looking around my new home, I deduced that the roof needed some attention, and I was in need of a gardener. Other than that, everything else was cosmetic. I headed back into town to acquire the help I needed, and was pleased to find both a roofer, and gardener. They both could start work in the morning, which I didn't need to be present for, thankfully. The roofer said he needed a week to finish what I needed, and we agreed a price. I paid him in full for his week and he left happy. After a quick explanation to the gardener of what I wanted, he gave me an estimated time of a month for his work. We agreed a price and also agreed that I would pay half now, and half at the end. I told him to bill any expenses to me. I then went to the cell phone shop, and bought myself a phone. The salesgirl showed me how it worked, and what it could do. Glancing at my watch, I noticed that school was almost out, and decided to drive to school to give the girls my new number. I hoped they would want to spend a few hours with me too. Maybe they would like to see the house?

When I got to the school, the students were starting to exit the building. My car got a few stares and whistles, but I tried to ignore them. I pulled into a space next to Angela's car, and waited for them. It only took a minute for Angela and Bella to arrive. They stared intently at my car, trying to see who was inside. I chuckled to myself as I got out.

"Oh my gosh! Maeryn, that car is amazing!" gushed Angela.

"Thanks," I replied. "I love it, and it's fast."

"Terrific! Another speed freak. You and Alice will get on like a house on fire," said Bella, smiling.

"I thought maybe you two would like to see the house tonight? Maybe we could eat at the diner again?" I asked.

"Oh, I'd love too, but I have to babysit," said Angela.

"That's okay, you can see it tomorrow after our shopping trip," I offered.

"Yeah, I can't wait."

"I'll come over, if you want," Bella chimed in. "Besides, Alice asked me if she could meet you before tomorrow."

"Yeah, sure. Should we ask her to dinner?"

"Um, no. We'll get her to meet us at the house after we eat. Her family like to dine together," she said with a smirk.

"Okay," I replied, wondering what was making her smirk.

"I gotta go, guys. I'll see you tomorrow," said Angela.

She left in her car, and Bella and I waved her off. I turned back to Bella.

"Do you need a ride?" I asked.

"No, thanks. I've got my truck. I'll meet you at the diner?"

"Sure. See you there."

I watched as she headed toward a faded red, Chevrolet truck, and I followed her out of the school lot. Bella didn't drive very fast, but perhaps that was her old trucks' limits. I blew past her on straight bit of road, and she beeped her horn and flashed her lights at me. I laughed at her in my mirror, as she looked horrified at my speed. When she finally arrived at the diner, I couldn't help but laugh as she slapped my arm.

"Are you crazy?" she squealed.

"Perhaps a little," I chuckled. "You hungry?"

"Surprisingly, after your stunt, yes." she smiled.

We ate and talked a little, but most of the time, we sat in a comfortable silence. And it was comfortable. We didn't feel the need to fill the silence with meaningless conversation, and we both seemed happy with that. The sun was starting to set as we left the diner, and Bella pulled out her cell.

"I'll call Alice and get her to meet us here. Then we can both follow you to your house."

"Oh, that reminds me, I'll need to give you my number. I forgot to give it to Angela."

"I'll give you her number and you can text her yours," she offered.

We exchanged numbers and I got Angela's, and then she called Alice.

"Alice can't meet us here, but I'll pass on the directions, and she'll meet us there."

I gave her the directions, and she text them to Alice, and then we left. I drove slower so as Bella could follow me easily. I showed her around, while we waited for Alice.

"This place is great!" Bella said.

"Thanks. I think so, too. I'm sorry there is nothing to sit on yet, but you could pull up a piece of floor, if you like," I laughed.

"Sure," she giggled, and sat on the floor. It was cool beneath us, but she didn't seem to mind. We chatted for a few minutes, until I heard a vehicle turn on to my drive. I heard it before Bella did, and I sent my sense out, as a precaution. Sure enough, there was someone arriving, but I had to zero in closer, as I couldn't detect a heartbeat. The car came to a halt, and Bella got to her feet.

"That'll be Alice," she said, walking to the door. I got up quickly, and grabbed her arm.

"How can you be sure?" I asked, praying that there was no danger.

"Because I know the sound of her car," she stated. She stared at my hand on her arm.

"Sorry," I mumbled, as I let go, and followed her to the door.

I managed to position myself slightly in front of Bella, ready to defend, if needed. The car came to a stop, and a tiny, dark haired girl got out. I suddenly tensed, and hissed below my breath. The girl stopped in her tracks, and squinted at me, while cocking her head to the side.

"Bella?" she asked.

"I'm here, Alice," said Bella, sidestepping around me, and heading down the steps.

"Bella, wait!" I almost screamed. She had no idea of the danger she was in. There was a vampire not three feet in front of her.

"Relax, Maeryn," said the vampire. "Bella already knows what I am."

"Alice!" Bella whispered, and shot a glance back at me.

"Don't worry, Bella. Maeryn isn't human either. Though, I don't know what she is," replied Alice.

I got myself in between Bella and the girl again.

"What are you doing, vampire?" I hissed. "Do you play with your food?"

Alice chuckled. "Oh, Maeryn. You have a lot to learn about my family and I, and fortunately, we have time."

"Alice, what's going on?" Bella asked, stepping out from behind me again.

"Bella, Maeryn knows what I am. She could tell as soon as she saw me. And Maeryn, I won't harm Bella. She is my best friend."

"How could you not harm a human? Their blood pulses through their veins, and your trying to tell me you're not tempted? Please, don't insult me!" I almost screamed.

"We don't feed from humans, Maeryn. We only drink the blood of animals. We have sustained this way of life for many years, so as we are able to lead as normal a life as possible. Just look at my eyes, if you don't believe me."

I stared at her, and saw that her eyes were a rich, honey colour. Not the typical red of any other vampire.

"Animal blood does that?" I asked, incredulously.

"Yes. It dilutes the colour and becomes a more acceptable shade. Though, when we are thirsty, they do still turn black," Alice answered.

"I knew there was something different about you," Bella said to me. I glanced at her.

"That's why you were looking at me quizzically?" I asked.

"Yeah, sorry about that."

Well, at least now I knew where her curiousness stemmed from. She was already involved in a different world, and she would probably be able to distinguish certain things from others.

"I'm not sure about this, Bella," I said.

"Relax, Maeryn. Alice and her family are perfectly safe."

"Does the whole town know?" I asked.

"Nope. Only me, and I guessed what they were. They didn't tell me, only confirmed my suspicions," she answered.

"You keep saying family, not coven," I stated.

"That's because we are a family. Living off the animals makes us more civilised than most humans. We are able to create stronger bonds than others of our kind. So, yes. A family is what we are. We have a lot to discuss, Maeryn. Perhaps we should go inside?"

I stared between her and Bella, torn. She was obviously telling the truth, but my instincts told me that there was danger here, and I needed to protect Bella. Alice could see my dilemma.

"Perhaps if it was just the two of us, you would feel more comfortable?" she offered.

"Alice!" Bella groaned.

"Bella, please. She is only trying to protect you. And Maeryn and I need to talk, and it may take all night."

"Fine!" Bella huffed. "But I want every detail tomorrow."

"Of course," agreed Alice.

"Bye Maeryn. You really don't need to protect me, you know," she said, giving me a small hug.

"I'll believe that when I have all the details," I said, hugging her back. "See you tomorrow."

"Yeah, see ya. Good bye, Alice," she added, a little more harshly. Alice chuckled.

"Bye Bella, drive safe," she said, and hugged Bella tight. I couldn't stop the hiss that escaped my mouth, and Alice rolled her eyes.

"Come on, Maeryn. Lets get acquainted," Alice said, as we waved Bella goodbye.

Just as Alice had said, the conversation lasted most of the night. She told me all about her family, their history, their gifts, every last detail. I finally believed her, and I began to relax in her company. Bella was right. Alice was like a tornado. Eccentric, and wired, and excited. She was wonderful. As she told me of her family, I found myself wanting to meet them. She said I would soon enough, when I started school. Finally, she asked about me.

"I'd rather not say, at the moment. I don't mean to offend you," I said, when I saw her expression, "but, my situation is a little delicate at the present time." Delicate was an understatement. I couldn't risk exposure yet, as I wasn't fully prepared, and I needed time to trust Alice.

"I understand," she said. "But, you will tell me, right?"

I smiled. She was relentless. "Yes, Alice. I will tell you, eventually."

"That's good enough for me." Her eyes seem to mist over, and it looked like she was in a trance.

"Alice?"

"Hmm?" she hummed, as her eyes became clear again. "Sorry, I was having a vision. I still can't see you clearly, but I will, given time."

"What was the vision?" I asked.

She smiled, a wicked smile. "Now, that would be telling!" she teased.

I rolled my eyes. "Fine. I suppose I deserved that."

"We are all allowed our little secrets. Well, I best get going. You will need some sleep before our trip tonight. You do sleep, don't you?" she quizzed.

"Yes, Alice. I sleep, and that's all your getting from me."

She grinned, and hugged me tight. "See you later, then. Oh, can I tell my family about you? I mean, I'll need to prepare them for Monday, so as they're not surprised when they meet you."

"Yes, I suppose so," I answered her, with a smile.

"Great!" she chirped. We exchanged cell numbers, and we both left my house together. Alice headed home, and I headed for the hostel for some sleep. Just as I started to dose, a text alert sounded on my phone.

A - Can you at least tell me how old you are?

I rolled my eyes in the light of the phone screen.

M - Trying to sleep here.

A - Please?

M - If I tell you, will you leave me alone?

A - Promise!

M - Fine! I am 1200 years old.

A - No way!

M - Yes way! Goodnight Alice.

A - Night Maeryn. Thanks!

I smiled to myself, and lay back down.

Because Alice had kept me up most of the night, I didn't have time to eat before I left for school. I just had enough time to wash and change, and by the time we all got to Port Angeles, I was starving.

"Can we eat first? I haven't had a bite yet," I asked.

"Sure," Alice said, winking. I rolled my eyes at her, and Bella chuckled.

We all had a McDonalds, which I have to say, I loved, then we all went shopping for my home. Jessica couldn't stay long, as she was meeting Mike for a date night, so I had little input from her. It seemed her mind was elsewhere. The other three girls were very helpful, especially Alice. Design seemed to be her true vocation. She was brilliant at it. She picked out the furniture, the décor, even the soft furnishings. She had picked a lavender accent for my bedroom. She said it matched my eyes. Once everything was ordered, and the delivery times booked, we headed back to Forks, with my trunk full of decorating supplies. Once I dropped of the supplies at my home, and showed Angela around, we headed back to town. We all sat in the room at the hostel, and chatted and giggled for a few more hours, before Angela and Bella had to leave. I walked them to the door, and thanked them for their help. They promised to come round after school tomorrow and help me decorate. Waving them off, I went back inside.

"So, did you have a good day?" Alice asked.

"Yes, I did. It was surprisingly fun."

"I'm glad. The girls really like you, you know."

"Yeah, they're great. I'm glad I met them. And you, of course."

Alice smiled. We chatted for a little while more, and she told me more about her family. I felt more and more at ease with the fiery little vampire that I now classed as my friend. It felt a little strange, as my instincts still tried to kick in, but I was sure with more time, that would stop. Alice also promised to help with decorating after school.

"In fact, why don't you give me your keys, and I could get started tonight?"

"Alice, I couldn't let you do that. That would be too much of an imposition," I said.

"Not at all! What else am I going to get up to? I don't sleep, and I could get Jasper to help, maybe even Edward. And we're fast. We would probably finish it all tonight."

"No, Alice. I couldn't …."

"Keys," she interrupted, holding out her tiny hand. I sighed in relinquishment, knowing full well I wouldn't win this one.

"Only if you're sure. I don't want …."

"Stop! Just give me the damn keys," she chuckled.

I passed her the keys, and thanked her sincerely. She waved my thanks away, and then stood to leave.

"We will have it looking amazing for you. Trust me," said Alice. And the funny thing was, I did.