Three days had past since I last went to school. I couldn't hide at home forever, but for now, it was the best option I had. Annie didn't mind, so it was alright. She called me in saying I wasn't feeling well. Soon as it was Saturday, I figured I needed to get out of the house. So I did the only thing that would make me happy, I went to a life support group I found out about at the Forks hospital.

I walked into the room, expecting to see sickly people that looked much like me. Instead I saw a group of very bright, vibrant people. I smiled as I took a seat. I looked at the pale blond that was leading the meeting.

"Hello everyone, before we start, I noticed a new face. Ma'am, I'm Dr. Cullen. Would you like to introduce yourself and tell us your diagnosis?"

I heard the name and nearly froze, but decided it would be better to pretend. "Pleasure to meet you, Dr. Cullen. I am Tegan Ashford, and I was diagnosed with terminal leukemia over a year ago. They say I've got at the most, six months to live."

"How are you doing with that?"

"I just moved here about a week ago, but I'm doing quite well, thank you." I smiled softly and listened as others spoke about themselves. After the meeting concluded, I stood, grabbed my bag, and headed for the door.

"Tegan, may I speak to you for a moment?" said the silken voice from behind me.

I sighed and nodded as I walked over towards where he stood. "Yes?"

"I'm sure aware that I'm Edward's father." He said coolly as he began to walk to his office.

"Yes, sir; I'm aware." I said softly, walking beside him. He didn't speak again till we were secure behind closed doors.

"I'd like to invite you over for dinner tonight." He said as he sat down.

"Will I be on the menu?" I asked as a small smirk turned up at the corner of my lips.

He looked amused and shook his head, "I guess you didn't talk to Edward long enough to know that we don't feast on humans."

"I took a guess at that once I found out, seeing as he didn't try to bite me. I was just making a joke. If this concerns me telling anyone about you, then you don't have to worry Dr. Cullen."

"Carlisle, please," he said looking through a file; my file. "I know you won't tell; I spoke to Esme."

"She's a lovely woman." I said meekly as I looked down at my shoes. "What would this dinner have to do with?"

"Thank you." He said with a smile. "I was told what happened and about how you haven't been to school. I also know that you don't want to die. Perhaps there's a way we can make that happen."

"Sir, with all due respect, I've tried every treatment known to man. There's no way that could happen. I've accepted my fate, and I'm dealing with that." I said and then raised a brow, understanding what he meant. "Are you suggesting that I become like you?"

"That's one option," he began. "Or there's an experimental treatment that needs studies from people with your condition."

"You're serious?" I asked bewildered, looking up at him across his desk. That hadn't even crossed my mind. "I'm not going to be a guinea pig."

"Edward truly cares for you, Tegan."

"I warned him not to," I said matter-of-factly.

He looked through my file. "We could save you, so you wouldn't have to die. You'd just be like us."

"I don't know…" I said biting my lip with intense pressure.

"It's your decision, but it's an option." He said looking at me with caring eyes.

I had bit my lip till it bled. Oh drat, I hope this doesn't make him hungry. "Did he ask you to do this? Or is this out of your own free will?"

"Free will," he smirked. "Edward doesn't know I'm speaking to you. He's just been, really consumed with concern for you."

"He barely knows me. How can he be so concerned with someone he doesn't even know?"

"Our kind, have an instant connection with those who we're meant to be with. I have Esme, Rosalie has Emmett, and Alice has Jasper. Edward has you. He may not know you very well, but he wants to. More so, he needs to."

"I don't know what to say…" I said and looked down. "What time is dinner?"

"Six o'clock sharp. Do you have any dietary needs?"

I laughed quietly, "I'm a real vegetarian."

"So you'll be there?" He asked with a hopeful smile.

"I guess I will be. Do you think someone could pick me up, though? I'm in no condition to drive. My latest appointment, my license was taken away." I frowned; missing being able to drive my car legally.

He smiled softly and nodded. "I can have someone get you, or if you'd like, you could come early and drive with me?" He asked.

I smiled and nodded. "Yes, I'll go early then."

"Excellent." He stood and hung his white coat on a hanger before opening the door. "Shall we?"

"We shall." I smiled and walked along beside him.

Just as I expected, when we arrived at his home, I was greeted by Esme. She hugged me lightly as I reached the door. "Welcome back."

But where was Edward? "Thank you," I said smiling softly. In a flash, I saw him standing at the top of the stairs. His small grin spread wide across his features. I smiled a lop-sided grin as he walked down the steps. Carlisle and Esme walked up the steps, giving us alone time.

He smiled softly as he stopped in front of me. "Hello."

"Hey," I said looking down. "Did they tell you, or did not know I was coming?"

"I had no idea. Esme did a really good job at keeping her thoughts to herself." He stepped closer and put a hand to my cheek. "I'm glad you're here."

"Well, after my talk with Carlisle, I decided that I might as well live my life happy. He said you were consumed by your concern for me." I said softly, putting my hand to his. "I figured I'd show you that I'm alright."

"I didn't expect you to want to see me again…" He muttered.

"Honestly? I didn't want to. Not that I didn't like you, because I truly do. I just…didn't want to hurt you with dying, you know?"

He nodded and frowned a bit. "He talked about turning you?"

I looked down, nodding slowly. "He said it was an option."

"Do you want it?"

"I'm not sure, really. I haven't really thought about it. Carlisle and I spoke of my past and my gift the whole ride here." I then reached up to touch his face. "Though, I'm sure I'll make the right decision."

"You don't have to do it," he said quietly. "You can just live the rest of your days as you wish."

"Let's not talk about this, alright? How about…you give me a tour of your home? I'd love to meet your family."

He nodded and held out a hand to me. I gladly accepted it. We walked up the steps and into the kitchen where Carlisle, Esme, Emmett and Rosalie all stood around the kitchen. I smiled softly as he spoke. "Everyone, this is Tegan."

Emmett waved with a knife in hand, and I couldn't help but laugh. "Planning my death already, are you?"

He laughed, "Alright, she's a keeper." He said as he shook his head and continued to slice peppers.

Edward's thumb rubbed my hand softly. "Isn't she?"

I shook my head and sighed. "Is there anything I can do to help? Since you're going through all this trouble over me?"

Esme smiled and shook her head, "Oh no, this is for you, so we'll be doing the work."

"Oh no, honey. I insist on helping. I'll fight you for making the salad." I said putting me free hand in a mock fist. "I bet I can take her," I said glancing at Edward.

Everyone but Rosalie laughed, though she couldn't hide the small smile that appeared on her face. Then Esme put her fists up. "Let's get to it, then."

I laughed and let go of Edward's hand, stepping forward. "Okay," I simply looked into her eyes and tilted my head slightly, showing a vision of me fighting her and winning. Why she was coming to, I already had my hands on the lettuce. I smirked as she turned around to look at me.

"You cheated," she said sticking out her bottom lip in mock sarcasm.

"You didn't set any rules…" I said peeling the lettuce apart. "Besides, you saw it, I won."

She shook her head, smirking as she came over near me. "You've done enough. Now go meet Alice and Jasper. We've got it from here."

I nodded in defeat and then walked back to where Edward was. Soon as I stepped next to him, I saw Alice jumping down from a branch. "Hi Tae," she said as she walked over and hugged me. "Wow, you do smell good."

I nodded, "Thank you, I'm AB positive." I smirked as I looked at Jasper.

"Don't mind Jasper, he's our newest vegetarian."

Alice looked at him as he stared at me. "Don't worry, you won't hurt her."

I looked at Edward; the same awkward expression that played on my face was his. "Okay…let me show the house."

"Alright…it was nice meeting you all." I said as I turned to follow him.

"I'll see you soon, Tae."

I smiled, "Of course!"

We walked up another flight of stairs and stopped at a door, "This is my room."

I walked in and looked around. "So this is what a vampires room look like." I said absentmindedly as I looked through a book on his table. "You journal?"

"You don't want to read that. You can, though."

"Maybe later," I said as I moved to look through his music collection and then I saw it. He had Vladimir Horowitz. I smiled as I grabbed the CD and put it in, track 7, Traumerei. "You have Vladimir Horowitz…" I was nearly melting as he took my hand with a smile.

He pulled me closer and put a hand on my waist. "This is my favorite song by him…"

"Mine too." I said as we swayed back and forth.