Author's Note:

Okay, this is a really short chapter, so I don't expect it to be a big hit. But, seeing as how it's been two days and I have gotten some freaking awesome good reviews, I thought I should at least update. So, I'm going to make this short, sweet, and simple. Shout outs to:

Manic-Cheese-Fairy: Thanks for the outstanding reviews. You really make my day. C:

Gryffindor Gurl2: As always, thanks to my faithful reviewer who has reviewed since chapter uno. Your damned freaking awesome. :D

AshleeS: Thanks for that awesome review with so many exclamation points. [I love exclamation points. (!)]

cheerleading847: Thanks for that spirited review, and even quoting me--the ultimate flattery. ;] Also, you were correct with your prediction. Have I become predictable?! But, you said that you didn't see how it would work out. So, read ahead. C:

katevs: You were right, too, though not as specific. Thanks for reviewing. :D

jalapeno1011: :D Thanks for reviewing! Hopefully you'll keep reading.

Twilightaddict131: Your review was spectacular, and thanks for the virtual brownie. I tried to eat it, but I just slobbered all over my computer screen. [: &&

Cary44, Jacqulin, SARAH DB, and Starkissedtulip: Thanks for putting me on your alerts. 8D [Forgive me if I missed anyone--I don't think I did, but I might have.]

Disclaimer: I DO NOT own SM's Twilight saga, though I would be lucky to wake in an alternate universe where the Cullen men existed.

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Peace Offering

I drove slowly, biting my lip nervously. In the passenger seat was a Glad plastic-wrapped dish of brownies. I had gotten Paul's address from Emily, whose smile I could hear even over the telephone. It was early in the morning—barely eight o'clock—and from what Emily has told me, Paul likes to sleep until the afternoon. I would be safe, and I could make a run for it.

I drove through the thick woods—of course he would have to live there, of all places. I steered the car through the confusing curbs of the road before I came upon a brick house. It had a front porch and a truck, but that was about it. The place looked so stringent, not a hint of personal touch or anything. It made it all the more intimidating.

I parked behind his truck, quietly turning off the engine. I stealthily got out of my car with the brownies, making sure that his name was clear on the index card I shoved in there earlier, and made my way up to his door. The steps creaked only slightly, and I scanned the area for somewhere to put the dish. No, not right by the door—he could step on it and tick him off even more. Not the railing—it could fall or get knocked down—no, no and no. Why did it have to be so hard?!

Finally, I saw a chair placed right by the door, and I knew that it was good as it gets. It was like I could hear a chorus of angels as the light from the sun fell on it in all of its wooden glory. I quietly thanked God as I gingerly set the plate on the seat, and did a mental dance of joy and victory.

I turned and made my way down the steps, a triumphant smile on my face. I survived. I survived! I should be on the news, on the front of every magazine, praised for my bravery and success! I was on cloud nine.

"Cassidy?"

The smile fell from my face, and my muscles tensed. Aw, shit. I really was going to die.

"Cassidy?" Paul called again, concern lacing his tone. I turned toward him with a shaky smile. His hair was sticking up in every direction possible and there were dark circles under his eyes. He looked terrible.

I pointed a shaky finger at the chair. "Brownies." Paul turned to look at the plate, and I used that as my escape. I jumped into my car, locking the doors and pulling out into the road smoothly but quickly. Only then did I caution a look in my rear view mirror. He was watching after the car, the note in his hand. I knew what he had read, and the false cheeriness in the note rang in my mind.

Sorry about eating your brownies, Paul! Hopefully this will make up for eating them and you'll be able to forgive me.

-Cassie

I was so screwed.

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Okay, very very short chapter. BUT, the next chapter--now my second favorite because I wrote a chapter I like even better after it--is WAY longer than this one, and I've decided to either post late tonight or sometime tomorrow evening. [HINT: it depends on reviews.] So, please review, even if it's just for the next chapter. :)