Author's Note: Alright team. This one is back to Cassie.... no soapbox today. I don't really have much to say. But when my big sis or I think of something, we'll be sure to put it up here(:

Disclaimer: NO OWNAGE

Dedication: ASethPlusImprintNerd. Thanks for the review and feedback. Love you(:

Playlist:

Baby- Justin Bieber

When the Water Runs Dry- Boyz II Men

Solo- Iyaz

Up Outta My Face- Mariah Carey ft. Nicki Minaj

Lovers Love Liars Lie- NeverShoutNever (Listen to this song; its an ABSOLUTE MUST)

Blah Blah Blah- Ke$ha

Worry- To feel uneasy or concerned about something; be troubled.

When I woke up that morning, I still had a grin on my face. I couldn't stop. Remembering Paul's soft lips on mine, him asking me out. It was way too good to be true.

But it was.

I hopped out of bed, counting down the minutes until I saw him today at school. I turned my music up loud, and hopped into the shower. Lathering shampoo into his hair reminded me of Paul's hands teasing my hair. I lifted my face toward the shower-head and closed my eyes, rinsing the soap out of my hair. I sang along to Justin Bieber's Baby, drunk on what I could only assume was love.

I turned off the shower and dried myself off going into my room and shuffling through my closet. I recalled that Paul's favorite colors were green and gray. I pulled on a washed out pair of jeans with a gray Hot Topic shirt with a gaggle of gray, black and white necklaces. I pulled my hair into a ponytail, letting it air dry and have its natural waviness. I went into the kitchen, surprised to find Aunt E making oatmeal. She looked over at me, "You got the radio loud enough?"

I gave her a hug and spooned some oatmeal into a bowl sitting down at the table. I blessed my food, and then dug in. It had been a while since I had gotten to eat some of my aunt's amazing food. "So, auntie… are you going on anymore business trips?" I asked, pouring some sugar into my bowl.

"Well… in about a few days, I'm going to Salem for a meeting and I think I'm going to stay for a few days 'cause there's an auction that I wanted to go to. You're going to be fine right?" She looked at me.

I got up, pouring myself some milk. "So you wouldn't have a problem with me going out this weekend? On a date… with Paul." I said, looking at her hopefully and ignoring her original question.

Elaina gave me an intense look, secrets in her eyes. "So," She said slowly, "That boy's taken a liking to you, huh?" She seemed to think about something for a while. "Well I'm not your mother, I can't tell you what to do. Go ahead, you'll be fine… but make sure he's the one paying for dinner. I'm telling you the last time I went on a date and had to pay… well let's just say he didn't get another date from me... and I don't think he went on anymore dates for a while. Hmm, I should probably check up on him.." She kept on muttering to herself and walked out of the kitchen.

I smiled, happy that I got her permission. And not wanting to change her mind, I didn't ask her about the look in her eyes when I said I wanted to go out with Paul. I kind of didn't want to know. I called goodbye to her, and jumped into my car heading toward to school. Toward Paul.

I got there and immediately went to the courtyard a smile on my face. No one was there though and my heart dropped about two inches. I went to the other courtyard though, hopeful. My heart dropped into my midrib. I searched around the school until I heard the bell ring signaling it was time to go to first period.

Suffice to say by that time, my heart was floating around in my stomach.

Neither Paul nor Jared was in first period, and I really noticed how much of an outcast I was in this class. We were watching a movie on the Trade Routes in India, and no one was paying attention. There were small groups of people around the room talking, but I just sat there, not knowing what to do.

I heard a 'psst' behind me and looked back. Madi and Cici were on the floor and the back of the room, beckoning to me. I sighed and got up, joining them on the floor. Cici was laying on her stomach, with Madi on her back playing with her hair. "Yo, Sassafras. How goes it?" Madi drawled, her hazel eyes crinkling at the edges.

I smiled wanly at her, feeling tired all of a sudden. Cici saw and said, "If one of them is gone, they all are." She said, and at my confused expression continued, "Paul… I saw you two together in the hallway yesterday. You guys seem pretty close."

I nodded and then Madi spoke up. "Yeah well its ok. Cici here has the hots for Jared. Too bad he and Kim seem like a sealed deal. Closer than peanut butter and jelly." She tugged on Cici's hair, smirking.

"Shut up, Madelyn." Cici said pinching her on the leg. "I think him and Kim look cute." She seemed genuine about it too, smiling softly. They played around, arguing back and forth quietly, reminding me of Brooke and I.

"Well aren't you two just spewing rainbows and lollipops?" I said hearing Cici call Madi the 'Ugly Duckling on Steroids' I glanced at the TV screen, wondering what in the world was going on in the video… It didn't hold my attention though so I turned back to the girls, waiting for the bell to ring so I could be closer to getting home. When the bell finally did ring and we were filing out of class, I heard Mrs. Risley say, "Just so you know, you have a test on this tomorrow."

Fabulous.

I groaned and made my way to second period, finding Kim already there looking a little worried over something. I went and sat down next to her and she looked up at me. "Yea, they aren't going to be here at all today." Her voice was flat.

My heart fell out of my body and was on the floor, pumping slowly.

My mood plummeted right along with it, and I leaned my head on the desk, wanting the day to be over. I was in a daze all through second period, barely hearing the lecture Mrs. Crow was going over. All I could do was lean against Kim for comfort. In third period though, I was alone. Gabe didn't try to talk to me though, and I for that I was a little grateful. I didn't feel like talking to him or anyone else but Paul.

Fourth period went slow, torturously slow and by the time lunch came around, I was sure I was about ten years older. I sat with Kim at lunch but we didn't talk much. And the rest of the day went just as slow. I was sixty-five by the time school let out, and I was ever sure of anything, it was that Paul would definitely not be attracted to me now that I was about forty years older than him.

I drove home and not being able to stand being alone in the house- Auntie was out doing Elder-like stuff- I went out to the beach, trekking through the woods. It didn't take as long as last time since it was still light outside and I sat on the beach, dipping my toes in the cold water.

There weren't many people on the beach and the number got fewer as the day wore on. By the time sunset was over I was the only one there, looking out into the water. The proverbial hole in my chest getting larger and larger. I pulled my knees into my chest, wrapping my arms around them, to keep myself warm. I heard a sound behind me and I whipped myself around, hoping beyond hope that it was Paul.

Not quite. Sam was walking toward me, his eyes narrowed. Now Paul may have excluded male testosterone, but to me Sam excluded pure intimidation. His eyes were always sharp and commanding, and his body was tensed as if he thought he might be attacked at any moment. I liked it better when he was with Emily. He looked more content then…

He strode up to me, instantly making me feel tiny, like Thumbelina. "What are you doing out here? It's late." He voice was deep, more baritone than Paul's voice. I scrambled to my feet, looking up at him.

"I… I guess I lost track of time." I told him, fumbling around for an answer and brushing my hair out of my eyes. He didn't look happy about my answer-which I admit, could have been more convincing- and I swallowed weakly, but then closed my eyes and took a deep breath.

I was Cassie Carlyle.

I wasn't going to let some man scare me like I was the Bunny Rabbit prey to his Wolf predator. I looked him straight in the eye, trying to convey the confidence that I couldn't seem to muster at the moment. "You shouldn't be out at night like this." He said.

"I'm a big girl, I can handle myself." I told him folding my arms under my breasts.

He didn't seem to like that answer either. I was about to cut the crap and ask him where Paul was but he beat me to it. "You'll see Paul soon enough. Don't worry about him, he's fine. And he misses you too, but you need to go home. Now. It can get dangerous at night."

Again as I was beginning to speak-going to ask what the danger was- he cut me off again. "Just go home, Cassandra-"

"Cassie." I bit out. It was my turn to cut him off.

"Paul will explain everything later." He kept on talking like I didn't exist. I don't think I like this man. He reminded me of my brother Adrian. He seemed overprotective to a fault. Not different from the way Jacob treated me. Paul sort of treated me like that too, I guess, but he wasn't like a brother to me. Looking at Sam, I decided I would finish that thought process later, when I was alone. I gave him a scathing look before turning and stalking off toward the forest my hair whipping around to land over my left shoulder. I called out a curt good-bye.

About five minutes into the forest, I noticed how dark it had gotten and remembered what Sam had said about it being dangerous outside. Almost immediately after that train of thought about left the station, I heard something rustling in the bushes. I turned around, surprised to find someone right behind me.

I threw my arms around Paul, almost crying with relief. It took me a while to catch my breath and it felt like heaven to be in his arms. It had felt like forever since I last saw him but in reality it had only been almost a full day. "What in the world are you doing out here this late, Cassie." He tone of voice seemed angry, but I knew it wasn't aimed at me since his eyes were glowing happily. He looked like a puppy.

I didn't answer but I just held him tightly to me feeling the burn of his body heat envelop me. "Come on Baby-girl, I have to get you home." He whispered his mouth close to my ear, and he started tugging lightly on my arm. I wasn't thinking straight and followed him almost freaked out about how I would do anything for him willingly.

We were at my house in record time, and he guided me toward the bed. During our trek to the house I had taken the time to logically think of what all had transpired that day. I had gone from elated to irritate in about six seconds.

Flat.

But once again before I could I could get a word in edgewise, I was cut off. "I know I didn't come to school today, and I'm sorr-" He cut himself off at the look in my eyes and sighed. "Well I am sorry I didn't tell you I wasn't coming. But I didn't know until late last night… or early this morning, it's hard to tell." He reached over and took my hand again, and this time, I didn't pull away.

"What is all the stuff about it not being safe outside? As far as I can tell, nothing seems different from yesterday. Sam said that you would tell me." I said, leveling him with my eyes.

He ran his free hand through his hair and looked outside. "It's complicated, and I can't tell you everything right now. But I promise I will. But you have to trust me and try not to wander around the woods; especially at night." He turned back to me, his eyes firm.

"Paul you're going to have to give me more than that." I told him but then thought of something else. "Does this have anything to do with the howling I heard last night and this morning? There aren't wolves running rampant outside are there?" I asked shivering slightly. The howling that I heard came from something big, and imagining anything that big outside sort of freaked me out.

"Well sort of, but you have no reason to be afraid of wolves. They don't hurt people." Paul said slowly, not meeting my eyes.

I was speechless. Wolves. I didn't know what was going on here but I would figure it out. My phone vibrated, on the dresser and I went to pick it up. It was a text that read.

Guess who.

It was I number I didn't know but the area code was Forks which happened to share an area code with La Push. I texted back a question mark. And walked back to Paul with my phone in my hand. He was looking at me with a dazed expression.

"What are you looking at?" I asked him feeling skittish.

Paul got up and walked toward me, smiling. "You are so beautiful." He said, and I did a double take. My phone vibrated in my hand, and I looked at the screen, grateful for the distraction.

I got your number from Cici

I had given Madelyn and Cici my number in first period today… but I didn't know a lot of people at that school. Only them and some of the other girls on the gymnastics team had my number. The only other person I knew was…

Gabe.

I threw my phone on the bed without replying, and turned back to Paul who was still looking me over.

"Don't get all weird on me." I told him smiling. He smiled back, and then we both heard a wolf howl. It didn't sound close, but it was very loud. Paul's changed from weary and happy to alert and serious. He was listening to the sound.

I got sudden chills and Paul looked at me, grabbing me gently by the shoulders. "Don't be scared, Pretty Girl. I already told you; the wolves don't hurt anyone." He leaned down and kissed me on the cheek. "I have to go, and I probably won't be at school for a few days but I will come and see you tomorrow. OK?"

I narrowed my eyes in confusion. "Wait, you aren't going out there are you? Not with those wolves." It sort of annoyed me too, that he would tell me that I couldn't go outside and yet not two minutes later he was about to run outside to do God knows what.

Sexist son of a batch o' cookies.

"I promise you have nothing to worry about." He looked like he wanted to kiss me, but he didn't instead taking my hand and kissing it. Then he strode out of my room and into the forest, while I sat there stunned by the whole ordeal.

Paul randomly shows up in the forest, takes me home, and tells me not to go outside. We hear this random wolf sound and then Paul runs off again. Explaining virtually nothing.

I fell on my bed confused. Something was going on around La Push and if it there was one thing that I hated it was being in the dark. In Dallas I was more less the center of things. It wasn't that things revolved around me, but I ran in a lot of circles, knew a lot. Here it was like I was somewhat in the center of things, but I was blindfolded.

My phone vibrated again:

Don't ignore me :)

I texted back that I knew it was Gabe and he sent me an LOL. I asked him what he wanted, and he told me he just wanted to talk. I looked at the clock. It was seven-thirty.

I sighed, not knowing what else to do. Maybe I could get him to leave me alone if I just went to go and talk to him. I knew that it was completely stupid and only one of those idiotic blond girls in the movies would do that, but I was kind of curious. He hadn't tried to talk to me today at school, and I thought it was a little weird.

Plus, I didn't think he would hurt me. He knew that Paul and Jake would find out, and already seemed to be scared of them. I texted him back saying that I would be at the library in ten minutes, berating myself for being so stupid. Then again, I had just stood up to Sam not thirty minutes ago.

I was Super Girl. Virtually invincible.

I texted Aunt Elaina telling her that I was going to the library, grabbed my keys and a gray and black jacket and got into my car, mentally apologizing to Paul as I started the car.

I drove to the small library about a block from the school, and got out walking in and not seeing Gabe; I went to see what kind of books this old place had. There were a few people here, some adults and groups of kids and I sat at a desk reading a small book of the Quileute Legends, one of the ones that we had at home.

About five minutes into the book though, I heard someone sit down across from me. I looked up and saw Gabe, his dark eyes twinkling, and his hair was damp from the rain. "I can't believe you really came." He said smiling at me disarmingly.

I didn't like his smile nearly as much as I liked Paul's.

"What do you want? I have to get back home and finish my Geometry homework." I tried to ask as politely as I could, but I didn't like Gabe. As much as I tried to, there was this vibe about him that screamed 'untrustworthy'.

He didn't seem offended by my tone, "I just wanted to know if you were going into town anytime soon. To Port Angeles-"

"No, I'm going out with Paul this weekend." I told him, looking right at him, trying to gauge his reaction. Gabe's eyes narrowed but before he could say anything, I spoke over him. "What do you have against Paul and the others?" I asked leaning forward and pinning him with my gaze.

Gabe's lip formed a scowl. "They aren't normal Cassie, and they aren't good for you. They've already sucked Kim in, and I don't want the same thing to happen to anyone else. Least of all you."

"How are they not normal?" I asked.

"You see they're abnormally tall. They are half-clothed in the rain. They're body temperature is through the roof. When one of them is gone, they all are… any of that seem normal to you?" Gabe said, ticking off every fact on his fingers.

I thought it was a little creepy that he knew about their body temperature, but I kept my mouth shut about that.

"And why does any of that concern you?" I asked Gabe, trying to ignore that everything he had just said was true. Even I could see it and I hadn't even been here a week yet.

"They act like they run the place and they don't." I knew that Gabe wasn't telling me everything. It seemed like no one would just be real with anything they said, it was always a half-truth. Paul, Sam, Jake, Kim, Aunt Elaina, and now Gabe.

"I swear the only one who's ever honest with me around here is Mrs. Crow." I muttered under my breath.

Gabe blinked, surprised. "What'd she say to you?" He asked.

"She told me my Quileute sucked." I shrugged, thinking back to class today.

Gabe laughed slightly. "Seriously?" He asked.

"Well… not in so many words. What she really said was that my Quileute sounded worse than the American Idol rejects, but I got the point." Gabe cracked a smile.

I got back to business. "Well, you aren't telling me anything I don't already know, so I'm going to go home." I got up, and grabbed my purse leaving the book on the table. Gabe tried to call me back, but I wasn't trying to listen. All I wanted to do was go home and curl up in Paul's embrace, but I got the feeling that wasn't going to happen.

I found Aunt Elaina at home curled in the living room, a book in her lap. "Well, you seem to be quite the night owl. Make sure you're careful when you're going out at night." She said, looking up.

"Why is everyone telling me to be careful?" I asked her, throwing my keys on the counter in the kitchen, and sitting on the opposite side of the couch from her. "Is there something dangerous out there?" I asked.

Aunt Elaina looked at me with the wise eyes of an Elder and I remembered that she was the youngest Elder on the Rez. "Yes there is. But you don't need to fear it. You'll be protected above all costs." Elaina smiled at me, and not knowing what else to do, I just told her goodnight, went to my room and went to sleep.

I had fitful dreams. Wolves and people with red eyes. Gabe standing with one of the red-eyed people. All kinds of horrible things… and when I woke up, it felt like I had been asleep for eight minutes instead of eight hours. I turned my iPod on, playing music quietly so as to not disturb Auntie.

It was like a few days ago when Paul had left me only different. I knew that I was going to see him again, but I honestly didn't think I could go a day without seeing him. I was so groggy and I stumbled to my bathroom, hoping a hot shower would help me out.

I turned on the shower and got in, taking my time, relishing the hot water and not getting out until I felt the water start to get cold. Today I threw on a pair dark skinny jeans and brown fur boots matched with one of my cut brown blouse that had a gold belt at the waist, a bright blue tank under it.

I ate a Pop-tart and cleaned up my room and den before leaving. Right before I closed the door I heard Aunt Elaina yell, "You used up all the freaking hot water!"

Totally made my day.

I laughed all the way to Kim's house and it was weird, since I still had a hollow feeling in the pit of my stomach. I picked Kim up and we drove to school together, finding a small solace in each other.

"Ok, I darn near went crazy last night. Please, please please tell me that number eight is x cubed six equals the area of the base of the triangular prism. Because if it isn't, I'm going to shove this geometry book up someone's you-know-what." Kim had her homework and math book open and was pouring over the pages intently, brushing her dark hair out of her eyes.

"Um, I'll check, but that sounds about right. I said, not really knowing what she was talking about. I pulled into the school parking lot and we sat in the car since it was raining outside and school didn't start for another thirty minutes of so.

"Ok, so since I've apparently made it clear that I suck at Quileute according to Mrs. Bite-your-freaking-head-off, I'm going to need a little extra tutoring." I told Kim, smiling over at her.

"I don't know what her problem is. Your Quileute sounds pretty ok to me. You sound better than some people I know. She's always been a little uptight though." Kim was still going over her math, muttering equations under her breath and occasionally looking over at me to see if she was getting them right.

"You're doing fine in math. I don't see why you think you're so terrible at it." I looked at myself in the rearview mirror of my car. My eyes looked better than they had this morning, less red. I think I had cried a little during the night, but I couldn't tell what was dream and reality.

"It'll be ok, Cassie." Kim said, laying a hand on my shoulder. She didn't look convinced of that herself though.

"Yeah… but I miss Paul." I said leaning back in my seat.

We heard the bell ring, and went inside, parting to go to first period. Before we did though, we passed Gabe, who gave me this intense look before heading off in another direction. Kim gave me a look that reminded me of the ones Brooke used to give me one that meant 'I'm not going to say anything now, but we are going to have a serious texting session about this in about five minutes.' I smiled at her, glad to know that hanging around Brooke for fifteen years was starting to pay off.

In first period we had the test over the movie we watched yesterday and I bombed it.

Miserably.

Now I didn't know that for sure, but considering question three was asking about where the Ganges River was and I mistakenly put Africa… I think it sufficed to say that I failed. Making this up was going to be a female dog.

Afterwards we did book work and mapping labs but I wasn't paying attention. I was too busy texting Kim who wanted to know how I even came in contact with Gabe. I told her everything, including what had transpired yesterday. After I sent it, I didn't receive any more messages from Kim. Something must have upset her.

After class I went immediately to second period and not finding Kim, I sat there and waited for her. When she did finally come into the classroom, she bolted toward me, her dark hair trailing behind her. She sat next to me and started firing off questions.

"You went to meet him last night?" She squeaked lowly, making sure no one around us heard.

"Yea… did I not tell you that in the text?" I asked her, getting out the notes I took yesterday.

"What…" Kim looked strangely hesitant, "What did he tell you about Paul?" She said.

"Well, he said that they weren't normal, that they think they run the Rez and that they've already sucked you in." I told her, tucking my hair behind my ears.

Kim's eyes narrowed, but not in anger. It was more like she was anxious about something. "Is there something you aren't telling me?" I asked looking her in the eye. She didn't look at me,

"Paul will tell you." She said softly, turning to her notes and not meeting my gaze.

Everything was ask Paul this and ask Paul that. The only problem is that Paul wasn't really telling me anything, and I have been trying not to pressure him and let him tell me on his own time, but I was getting a little tired of waiting. Even though I've only known him for about five days.

Yea, I'm that impatient.

I tried to concentrate on what Mrs. Crow was saying, but all I was hearing was Paul and secrets. And I was pretty sure that wasn't the topic for today.

Kim and I didn't get to talk again that period, but when the bell rang, she told me to try and ignore Gabe next period. Sighing I walked to class and sat down not wanting to endure another minute without Paul.

Gabe was already in his seat, looking at me expectantly. I tried to ignore him and focus on what Ms. Nadal was saying, but I felt his eyes on me the entire period. He never said anything though, never tried to talk to me and I didn't look his way.

When the bell rang after fourth period, I got up trying to rush my way to the cafeteria to see Kim, but Gabe was right beside me. "Are you mad at me?" He asked his eyebrows pulling together.

That had to be one of the dumbest questions I was ever asked. He came up to me trying to be all superior and tells me that the man that I could possibly be in love with is not normal… and then wants us to be best friends. Not going to happen. I tried to ignore him focusing on trying to get to the cafeteria, longing for Paul to come.

Paul.

I was scared for him. I hated not knowing where he was, what he was doing. He had freaked me out last night, and then I went to the library only to hear crap spew from Gabe's mouth. It felt stupid how much I loved him. Idiotic. It was so otherworldly and I couldn't make sense of anything anymore.

"…listening to me?" When I came back to earth, I heard Gabe and I blinked.

"What?" I asked dumbly, pushing my way into the cafeteria. I spotted Kim opening her brown lunch bag and start pulling things out. I made my way towards her with Gabe still tailing me, blubbering about something I wasn't listening to. I sat down opposite of Kim, giving her a long look that said 'Do you see the stalker-like potential in this guy?'

Kim narrowed her eyes at Gabe who was still standing beside me, and said coolly, "What do you want, Gabe?" She said with soft voice, but one full of conviction.

Gabe looked at her wonderingly. "You know three months ago, you were a nobody. No one knew you name, and you would have never spoken out against anyone. You used to fantasize about Jared. You've been fantasizing about him since about what? Sixth grade? You watch him go out with other girls, and he wouldn't look twice at you, even though you've always been in a least one of his classes." Gabe was standing over her now, and she looked at him with defiant but scared eyes.

"Then all of a sudden, he stopped coming to school, for about two weeks or so. When he came back, he was different. And he would hang around Sam Uley. The first day, he looked at you… and then everything changed. What-" He was cut off by a pair of arms shoving him from behind.

I looked to see Jared's furious face. He was shaking, looking positively terrifying. Kim rushed to him, throwing her arms around his huge frame and whispering something to him in his ear. I saw movement behind him and then Jacob and Embry came forward, tugging Jared out the cafeteria.

Gabe was glaring at them, and then he turned to me. "They think they're so tough." He said.

"Is that a bad thing?" A familiar voice said behind him, and I jumped out of my seat. Paul loomed over Gabe looking dangerous. "You're really starting to piss me off and by the looks of things, Jared isn't too happy with you either." Before he could say anything else, Quil came up and pulled him away, and Gabe all but ran out of the cafeteria. I ran up to Paul stopping right before I ran into him. He put his hands out to catch me, and then looked me in the eyes, his expression tender. He leaned down and kissed me on the cheek causing me to turn bright red.

Quil clucked his tongue and sat against the table, eating Kim's apple in about two bites. Paul leaned away from me, "Are you ok?" He asked me, looking me over his eyes shining.

"I'm fine." I told him, not able to take my eyes off of him. "Where did you come from?"

"…We were with Sam." He told me, his eyes leaving mine. As soon as those words left his mouth, my mood completely plummeted. I was so completely tired by all of the secrets and no one telling me anything. Why did everything have to be with Sam, and how were all these boys connected? Why was Gabe flipping out about it, and what was going on between Paul and I?

I'd had enough.

"With Sam?" I asked knowing my eyes were accusing.

Paul caught the look I was giving him. "Cassie, I'm sorry." He said his eyes sad.

"Yea, I bet you are. But who knows, maybe that's a lie too." I bit back scathingly my heart aching for being so harsh with him. But I had no choice. I was tired of being lied too. I turned around, not being able to look into those chocolate eyes of his and walked away. I got to the hallway before I felt Paul grab my arm softly.

"Sweetheart, please listen to me." He pleaded, but I just yanked my arm out of his and kept on walking.

"No Paul, I'm tired of you lying to-" I was cut off as Paul grabbed my arm again spinning me around effortlessly so I was facing him. I opened my mouth to tell him to let me go but before I could, Paul's mouth dropped over mine and he kissed me, hard. I felt all of his emotions flow through me, his passion, and the regret he felt over lying to me, the frustration over how stubborn I was being, the feeling of complete oneness that we were both feeling right now. And… love.

I felt my hands reach up to grab his shirt to draw myself closer to his warmth forgetting that I was mad at him and forgiving him completely. We were in our own world, and everything felt right again.

Until the bell rang.

I flinched slightly, pulling away from Paul even though his arms stayed around me. He looked down at me, "This weekend, I promise to explain everything to you. But until then, I'm going to need you to trust me, Ok?" He ran his hand through my hair.

People were walking past us, and Paul took me outside so we could have a little more privacy. "You promise?" I asked him, looking into his dark eyes.

"Promise." He said, and then he sighed. "I have to go back out… but can I come by tonight?" He asked hope in his eyes.

I smiled, "Of course… and please be careful." I pleaded with me, remembering what Aunt Elaina had said. Even the thought of Paul getting hurt had my heart tearing to pieces. Paul smiled and nodded.

"I promise. But you don't need to worry about me Baby-girl." He said. He leaned down to kiss my forehead, and then ran off to the parking lot where Jake, Quil and Embry where waiting for him. I walked back into the school, late for fifth period, and made my way there, sullenly. Another period with Gabe.

After school, Kim and I went to eat pizza from a local pizza place in Forks, trying to pass the time. "You need to tell Paul about seeing Gabe last night." She said, licking her fingers.

"I can't. You know how Paul is. You know what he would do." I said, not wanting to burden Paul with petty stuff like this, that I could handle on my own. I tried to change the subject, "How's Jared? He seemed really mad today at lunch."

Kim's face lit up slightly at the mention of Jared. "Yea he was. They came by to check up on us today, but when he heard the things Gabe was saying, he kind of lost it." She looked down at her sausage pizza.

"So… was what he said really true?" I asked a little hesitantly. I didn't want to say the wrong thing an upset her. Kim nodded her head, blushing slightly.

"Yea, although I'm really ashamed to say it. I did have the biggest crush on Jared for years. But that's in the past and this is the present." She said smiling at me.

"Don't be ashamed of it Kim, I think it's cute." I said, drinking some of my sprite. We talked for a little while, just riding around in my car, and I told Kim about my date with Paul this weekend. She squealed and asked me what I was wearing.

"My best friends told me that if I wore anything that was in my closet, they'd hunt me down, cut off my ears and shove them down my throat… and yes I'm serious." I said catching the look of mock horror Kim gave me. "I was thinking of going into Port Angeles tomorrow to look for something. Do you want to come with me?" I asked.

Kim smiled. "Of course. Since Jared is out all the time now, I don't really have much to do. I've never really had any girlfriends. I was more of the stay at home, read a book type." She said, sheepishly. I laughed. She didn't really look the type. Kim was really pretty.

I laughed, and she hit me on the arm playfully. "Hey, shut up." She said, and we bantered all the way back to her house. By the time I got her home, it was about a quarter past eight and Aunt Elaina was eating the rest of the spaghetti I cooked.

"Your mother called. She wanted to tell you that she misses you and blah blah blah." She waved her hand in a bored motion. I smiled and went in my den, curling up on the couch, turning on the TV and dialing my mother. SpongeBob was on.

Hell yes.

"I'm sorry, who is this?" My mother's tone was mocking. And I decided to play along.

"Does Cassandra Carlyle ring a bell?" I drawled, smiling at the TV screen.

"Well, I think so… I might have known someone named Cassie a while ago, but I haven't heard from her in about a month." I heard the smile in my mother's voice, and called her bluff.

"Mom, it's been like two days." I said, not fully being able to concentrate, watching SpongeBob dance around in his underwear. My mother kept on talking, and I was only half listening to what she was saying. But I did hear her when she said,

"Hey and just so you know I'm dying."

I laughed internally and without missing a beat, replied "Yea well mom, I hate to tell you, but we're all dying. And we will continue to do so until scientists find a cure for death."

"You are one sarcastic…" her voice got quieter, and I was confused, until I heard her again. "Well I was going to say that you were one sarcastic daughter of a bitch… but that wouldn't have been too smart huh? With you being my daughter and all."

This time I did actually laugh out loud, wiping tears from my eyes. If you couldn't tell already, my mother wasn't like other mothers. We talked for a few more minutes, and then I heard a sound coming from my room. I looked over, and saw the silhouette of someone who could only be Paul. No one else was that tall, and would be in my room.

I gave my mom a hasty 'I love you' and a 'goodbye', and told her that I had to leave. Then I turned over to face Paul, putting a finger to my lips. I turned the TV off and closed the door to the den, and then when I went into my room, I closed that door too. Paul was looking down at me, a serious expression on his face and I knew that whatever was going to come out of his mouth next was going to be grim. "Paul?" I asked, standing in front of him.

He was shaking slightly, but not enough to alarm me. He was upset, that much I knew. He started down at me few a few seconds, before speaking slowly, enunciating each word. "What has Gabe said to you?" He asked his eyes not leaving mine for a second.

Crap.

I don't know who told him, but I didn't want to upset him any further. "Nothing… much. Its fine Paul, it's not that big of a deal." I tried to calm him down, but he wasn't listening to me this time.

"Cassie, tell me what he told you…please." He added that please when he saw the look in my eyes. I didn't like to be told what to do.

"He told me that you and the others were dangerous. That I shouldn't be around you. How you guys think you run the place and how you aren't normal." I told him everything, trying to gauge his reaction. He seemed calm enough on the surface. But I could see the slight tremble running down his frame.

He was quiet again for a few more minutes, looking me deep in my eyes. "I'm not going to tell you to stay away from him, because I know I can't control you…" He sighed deeply seeming to be conflicting with himself, and then he took me by my arms. "But please Baby-girl, be careful."

I blinked in surprise, finally realizing what was going on. He was worried about me. I could see it in his eyes. "Paul, it's ok… You don't have to worry about me. Gabe… I don't know what's going on with him, but I don't really like him." It was the first time that I had said it aloud and I realized how true it was.

"I won't let him touch you. That I do promise." I smiled at him, and then frowned when I heard Aunt Elaina calling my name, her voice getting closer. I looked at Paul with wide eyes and ushered him into my closet as fast as I could.

He barely fit.

I closed the door and rushed over to open the door to my room, facing Elaina. "Sorry Aunt E, I couldn't hear you. I pointed to my iPod and headphones that were on my bed, and smiled sheepishly.

She pinned me with an accusing gaze. "Yea yea, whatever. Now I didn't get to talk to you this morning, but about this whole 'going out with Paul' business," The color drained from my face. I didn't mind talking to Aunt E about this… but I would rather not be having it with Paul listening in. Aunt Elaina sat on my bed, lying back on my fluffy pillows.

Seeing as I couldn't do anything about this, I joined her one the bed but not before turning my music up just a tad bit louder. "I thought you said it would be ok?" I questioned her.

"Like I've already told you, I'm not your mother I can't tell you what to do, but as your aunt I do think I'm supposed to offer advice from time to time. I need to be able to tell you mother I'm doing something without lying to her completely.

"I'm sure you've already been told that they're dangerous and you shouldn't be around them, the usual gossip and what not. I'm not going to tell you to be careful because honestly, Paul will protect you." She stopped noticing the frown on my face.

"Why do you say that? We've only known each other for about a week." I dropped my voice low, hoping that Paul wouldn't be able to hear. Auntie gave me an enigmatic smile and then but kept on going as if I didn't just ask her a direct question.

"Now, I know about being seventeen and all but if the limo tries to go into the garage, you have permission to rip the wheels off… and use a condom. Now I know about these ones-"

Dear Lord.

"OhMaGee, Aunt E!" My face was bright red and my eyes were wide. "Ok, offering advice is nice and all but no one said anything about… limos." I cleared my throat and told her that I was about to go take a shower and go to bed, and she conceded.

"I just want you to know where I stand on this…" She started toward the door and opened it, stopping and looking back at me, "Since you're already hiding boys in the closet." My jaw completely dropped. She winked at me and closed the door after calling out, "Goodnight Paul. Keep the limousine to yourself."

I had to admit. My Aunt was good.

A few seconds later, my closet door opened and Paul and I locked eyes, both of us not knowing what to think or say. I was so mortified I could barely see straight. I opened my mouth nothing came out. Paul looked like a deer caught in headlights. I was standing, but all of a sudden I couldn't find the strength to stand. My legs were boneless. I crumpled on the bed, not knowing what else to do.

Next thing I knew Paul had picked me up and set me on the bed, smoothing the hair back from my face. "Hey, Baby-girl I'm right here. I'm here; everything's going to be ok." He whispered to me, looking me in the eye. I held onto him, taking comfort in his calm demeanor.

"Oh Paul, I'm can't believe Aunt E." I said, not able to look him in the eye.

He shushed me, "Its ok Sweetheart. I know she was just joking. Trust me she was. She knows I would never do that to you." He stroked my cheek with the back of his hand but I froze.

Never?

Not that I was thinking about doing anything like that this weekend. But if everything went the way I desperately wanted it to be, maybe something more could happen between us and later on down the road… I could so see that happening. And was with the whole 'I would never do that to you' business? And he had said never. Like he hadn't even considered it.

Kind of hurts a girl's feminine pride.

I pulled away from him and he saw the look in my eyes. He started to speak but I shook my head sharply. "Leave," I told him, trying to make my voice dagger-sharp. "Please." Paul searched my eyes for a few heart stopping seconds. But I guess my expression was fierce because he did. He kissed me on the cheek, the way he did every time we parted, and then he went out of the door, closing it softly.

I didn't think of anything that had just transpired. I just went into the bathroom, and turned the shower, I got some pajamas out while I waited for th water to warm up. Then I took off my clothes and stepped into the shower, immediately squealing and jumping out shivering.

"Aunt E! You used all the hot water!" I wailed.

Life truly is a highway.

Alright. Did you like it? This was more of a filler chap. And I'm not really happy about it, but the good stuff will be coming up in the next chapter. I give you my word... Or in the one after that. I'll have Seven posted in a few days. Eight is giving me a little trouble, but it shouldn't take that long. My big sis is helping me(:

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