Disclaimer: I DO NOT OWN TWILIGHT

A/N: Hey everyone! I'm sorry this has taken so long! Thanks, Taila, for getting on to me about it! I've had a really bad case of writer's block lately, not to mention everything else that' been going on in my life. Finally, here is the next chapter!

Chapter 8 - Worry Wart

I sat on the log that rested at the end of the parking space and stared out at the beach and the waves. It was at least an hour before I finally stood up, brushed myself off and headed home. I had blown it. She was gone, and from the way things ended I doubted she would ever want to see me again. And on top of that, I had to report the whole thing to Sam and the pack. Most of the day was fine, but what Sam was going to care about…well that was another story.

I pushed open the front door and walked in.

"You're in trouble!" Seth cat-called from the living room. I rolled my eyes and turned into the kitchen to see Mom standing by the sink, hand on her hip.

"And just where have you been?" she asked firmly. "It's 8:30. Did you know that? I expected you home for dinner. We waited for an hour."

"I'm sorry," I mumbled.

"I got no phone call or anything. I called Sam and Emily's to see if you were eating over there tonight. And guess what? They hadn't seen or heard from you since lunch time!"

"I know mom! I'm sorry, ok? I was out walking and I met a girl up there hiking and I helped her find her way back, ok? I was trying to be a good person. I lost track of time or I would have called!" I almost yelled. I hated when I got the third degree from her.

"I just…." Her voice caught in her throat and I looked up to see her nearly crying.

"Mom? I'm ok! I'm fine! Look!" I spun around in front of her.

"I know, I know. I must sound crazy. I just, I worry about you and Seth so much. Now that I know everything…I'm just still not used to it. I couldn't bear it if anything happened to you." She pulled me into a hug. I stood there and let her hold me, knowing that's what she needed. "I'm sorry I got so angry."

"I know, Mom. I'm sorry I scared you like that. I didn't mean to." I whispered into her hair. She let me go after an extra tight squeeze and gestured to the microwave.

"Saved you some dinner. Just heat it back up. And take care of your own dishes, ok? I already finished the rest."

"Least I can do, right?" I smiled. She smiled back, kissed me on the cheek and left, heading toward her room.

I sighed and pressed the buttons on the microwave, giving it a minute and thirty seconds to reheat. Mom. It had only been a couple years since Dad passed. She was doing surprisingly well all things considered. After his death she took over his council seat and learned the truth about the pack and vampires and everything. That had been quite the shock. Those first few weeks were awful. But eventually, as everything sunk in, it made things a bit easier at home, with her now understanding where Seth and I were going all the time and why we were so tired. But every now and then….worry and stress got the best of her.

I heard the food in the microwave start crackling and I stopped it with 12 seconds left. I grabbed a can of Pepsi out of the fridge and carried it and my plate into the living room to eat.

A/N: I know, I know. It's really short and mostly fluff, but it just felt like a needed transition. Next chapter is halfway done and it should be done in the next few days at the most! Thanks for bearing with me! And thanks for reading, reviewing, favoriting, and following! It means so much! See ya soon! Kate

By the way! I have added a poll to my profile about a possible audio "book" version of this story! Please go to my profile and vote!