Thanks so much to everyone who has kept up with this story! The reviews, the PMs, and adding me to your list is really amazing! I hope everyone enjoys this chapter. It's a bit longer than my previous ones.

As the story turns……

Chapter 7: Meet the Family

Edward and I slowly made our way out of the woods and, sure enough, classes were over for the day. Everyone was filing out into the parking lot, and I stopped to hide myself behind a tree. The last thing I needed was for everyone to pay more attention to me, and if I was seen coming out of the woods with Edward…God knows where their thoughts would wonder.

Edward chuckled at my embarrassment. I glared at him for not even attempting to hide. He walked over and leaned in towards me and said "You look awfully cute when you're angry." This caused me to blush slightly, but I continued to glare at him. He of course gave me his trademark smirk and made his way to the parking lot. I wanted to stop him, but I couldn't move, so I just hid myself even more behind the tree.

It seemed like an eternity waiting for everyone to leave, and I thought I would be in the clear, but obviously things never happen that way.

"Hey Edward!" I heard someone call out. It sounded like Jessica. "Where's Serena? I saw you two leaving at lunch."

"Oh, she's just hiding behind a tree back there." That's it! I saw red. I turned my head around that tree and screamed "Edward Cullen!" This, of course, drew even more attention to me and before I knew it, all eyes were shifting between Edward and me.

Yep, my face turned a very deep red, almost resembling purple, and the only thing that bloodsucker could do was laugh at me. Well, since I was already exposed, I might as well go down there and smack him, and that is exactly what I did. What I didn't anticipate was his stone hard skin.

"Ow!" I grabbed my hand as if I tried hitting a rock with all my force. He leaned in towards me and whispered "Vampire." So, he thinks he can get off that easy. I put my arm around his waist and made it look like I was giving a side hug. People were definitely giving us very strange looks at this point, and Edward was shifting a bit uncomfortably in my grasp. I looked up at him and smiled lovingly before I gave him a small shock with Jupiter's thunder.

He jumped from my arms and looked at me as if I had just sprouted horns, but the sugary sweet smile never left my face. I looked back to Jessica and said "Edward and I just had some difficulties we needed to work through, but everything is good now. Thanks for the concern."

"No problem." She said very hesitantly, but I paid her no heed. I began to walk to my car with Edward following closely behind me.

"What was that?" He frantically asked me.

"What do you mean?" I asked innocently.

"You know exactly what I'm talking about."

I reached my car and turned to face him. "Well, what can I say Edward? If you play with fire, you'll get burned." The look on his face was priceless. It was as if it read shock and awe at the same time. I only smirked at him.

I got in my car and rolled down my window, turning back to him. "So be at my house around 6 to pick me up for tonight?" He only nodded in response before I backed out of the parking lot and drove off, proud at myself for making the infamous Edward speechless.

When I arrived home my cool attitude officially had worn off. I ran in the house and made my way upstairs. What on Earth was I going to wear tonight?!?

I stood in front of my closet doors and flung them open, and I began at my frantic pace. I started throwing clothes everywhere; nothing seemed just right. I began questioning myself as to why I cared, but my brain did not even process the answer.

Finally, after almost emptying my entire closet, I found a cute magenta dress that had somewhat of a low back, but nothing too showy. It was a soft material, and it was sleeveless. I figured it would be nice to wear since it felt pretty good outside, and it wasn't raining.

Now that I had my outfit picked out, I ran into the bathroom so I could take a quick bath to freshen up. Vampires and their sense of smell…last thing I needed was to smell nasty when I was going over there.

I finished with my hygienic portion and quickly put some light make up on and brushed my hair out. I looked down at my watch and saw the time was 5:15. I breathed a sigh of relief realizing that I had plenty of time before Edward would be there.

I wrapped myself in my towel and started out the bathroom, and then I screamed.

There was Edward sitting on my bed looking at me. My face felt like it was on fire, and I think if Vampires could blush, he would certainly be doing it right now.

It took a moment before my heart calmed down, but as soon as it did I began yelling.

"What on Earth are you thinking?!? You don't just show up in people's houses without some prior notification! That is very rude and extremely weird! Now turn around and close your eyes!"

He didn't even argue with me; he just did exactly what I said. I made my way over to my dresser so I could get a clean pair of underwear and grab my dress that was draped across the top of it. I then ran back into the bathroom and dressed quickly.

I stepped out of the bathroom, fully clothed mind you, and just stared at Edward. He gulped at the look on my face. "I'm sorry, I didn't think you would still be getting ready…I…I mean, I didn't think you would get ready. It's just my family."

I didn't say anything.

"If it makes you any less angry at me, you look wonderful."

Alright, I broke and gave him a little smile. He looked relieved at my facial expression and the tension left his body. I walked towards the bed and sat down beside him. "Seriously Edward, you have a little bit of crazy in you."

He chuckled, "Yea, well it's thanks to you."

"I highly doubt it. Crazy just doesn't pop up. You might need to see a professional."

He laughed even more. "I'm being serious. For some reason, I just can't get enough of you."

"We already went over this. I am a puzzle to…"

"No." He interrupted. "It's more than that. Your presence gives off the most light I've ever seen, and when I'm with you…it feels as if I am a part of that light. I am a creature of the darkness. I am cold and hard, but you, you make me feel warm inside, when I thought I never would again."

My eyes widened at his sincerity and his honesty.

"You think I'm even crazier now, don't you?"

"No." I said softly. "Not at all. In fact, I think you just gained some major cool points."

His smile made my heart flutter. I was lost in the moment until I noticed the time on my alarm clock.

"Oh, we better go." Edward looked at the time as well and nodded. He walked over to my open bedroom window and jumped out. I looked down at the ground and said "two can play that game." I launched myself out the window and landed perfectly on my feet.

"Ha!" I said, with the slightest hint of pride.

He rolled his eyes at me and muttered "show off."

We made our way to his car, and he graciously opened the door for me. Once inside he took a deep breath and looked towards me.

"Thanks for agreeing to go with me. I know it might seem a bit soon to be inviting you over, but it will put my family at ease when they meet you. They don't know what to think about you either."

"No problem."

"Well…hold on." And with that he spun out of my driveway and sped off. I clutched onto my seat as if my life depended on it.

"Do you really need to go this fast?"

"Ah, is the superhero afraid of a little fast pace driving."

"I wouldn't call this exactly fast pace."

I could only hear his laughter, but I paid no attention to it. I was concentrating on breathing normal and praying that we would get to his house soon.

It didn't take long at all to get to his house from mine. We weren't that far apart. Apparently they like their privacy as well. As soon as I stepped out of the car I felt like falling to my knees and kissing the ground, but I restrained myself from doing so. I didn't want to lose face in front of Edward anymore than I already had.

We approached his front door, and I took a deep breath. I could feel that all his family was here, and I really didn't know what to anticipate.

He put his hand on my shoulder and said, "Relax. It's not as if they'll bite."

"I'm not so sure." I said hesitantly.

We walked through the door and immediately a delicious aroma hit my nostrils. I started to sniff the air like a dog, and my mouth started watering. Edward was looking at me as if I had just grown a second head, but I just now remembered that his inability to let things lie caused me to miss lunch today. Just then, my stomach started growling.

Edward shook his head and led me towards the kitchen. I looked around and saw those from school and two new faces.

"Serena, this is Alice, Rosalie, Emmett, Jasper, Esme, and Carlisle." I smiled at each one of them as he said their name, and I got a positive response from everyone, that is, except Rosalie. She just kind of looked at me as if she didn't know what to make of me. "This is my family." Edward said.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, and the food smells wonderful."

Esme smiled at me and said, "Well, we wanted you to feel welcomed. It must be strange coming into our home, and we wanted to make the transition as easy as possible."

"Believe me, I've seen stranger things in my lifetime."

"So, Serena," Carlisle began. "We've heard so much, or should I say so little, about you."

I smiled, "Yes, I'm sure I'm a mystery to you all, but please believe I don't bring any harm to your family. I'm seeking a peaceful life as well."

"What exactly are you?" Rosalie asked, getting directly to the point.

"Well…" I began, not sure how to approach this question. After all, I have not even told Edward the whole truth. "…I'm human, that is warm blood runs through my veins, but I am a bit different."

"I'll say so; I can't see you at all." Alice said.

"See me?" I questioned.

"Alice is able to see into the future, but when she tries to read yours, it's as if you don't exist." Edward answered.

"Oh. Well, you see my future has already come to pass. I'm not of this time."

"What does that mean?" This time Edward asked me the question.

I paused before I said, "I'm sorry, but I just don't feel comfortable exposing my past to people I've just met. It is a long story, and one that will not benefit anything but curiosity. I do not wish to relive it."

"I'm sorry for bringing it up." Alice said. I smiled at her, she had a very sweet aura about her, and I could tell I was going to like her very much.

"Well I'm not satisfied." Rosalie began.

"Rosalie…" Carlisle said in a warning tone.

"Why should we open up our home, and our secrets to someone who isn't willing to share theirs? This is a huge risk to us."

I officially felt terrible for invading on their territory, but Edward's arm quickly found its way around my shoulders.

"Pay no attention to her Serena." Esme said.

"No, she's right. I shouldn't have come here." I turned to go, but Edward quickly stopped me. "You're not going anywhere. We don't have to stay down here. I can show you the rest of the house."

"What about the food? It's not like we're going to eat it." Emmett said, and immediately my eyes lit up once more. "Well, I don't want a meal to go to waste." And everyone began to laugh at me, well, except for Rosalie.

Esme set a place for me at the table and began to fill my plate with some Italian pasta. It didn't take long before I dug into the food. It was amazing. I didn't even pay attention to anyone else as I quickly asked for seconds.

"Where does she put it?" Someone asked.

"I have no idea." Said Edward.

Pretty soon I was filled completely, and I finally looked up to find everyone staring at me. I did a mental sweat drop before laughing it off. I really need to control myself when I get around food.

"It was very good."

"Obviously." Carlisle said, and I blushed.

"Now would you like to see the rest of the house?" Edward asked.

"I would love to." I turned to Esme and everyone and said "Thank you for the lovely meal." They all smiled in return.

The house was really amazing. It was very modern, and very large. The glass walling was really beautiful, and I couldn't get over the impeccable artwork that decorated the walls and everything else.

Edward took me upstairs, and we entered into a rather large room that had a sofa and very few items in it, but a lot of CDs.

"This is my room."

"Wow, you have an impressive music collection."

"It comes from years of living. If I'm guessing correctly, you've been around awhile; don't you have anything like this?"

I thought for a moment before I answered in a sad tone, "Pictures."

Edward must have noticed my change in mood because he didn't respond to my comment.

I stared blankly at his CDs, thinking back to the memories I had with my friends. I was lost in my mind before I felt a cold arm wrap around me.

"Is it alright if I do this?" He asked hesitantly; his head leaning next to mine.

I nodded absentmindedly before I allowed his presence to surround me. I really was enjoying Edward Cullen a bit too much. I didn't need to get this involved with anyone, but it felt so good to be held by someone. I couldn't think of the last time I felt like I fit in with anyone, or the last time anyone ever took the time to see the hurt behind my eyes. They were all interested in where I came from, but I felt the Edward genuinely cared, and while this thrilled me, it also scared me.

Still, I didn't move his arm from around my waist. I savored the moment. That is until he moved away.

"Come on. There is more to see." He lead the way through the rest of the house, and each room took my breath away.

Our final destination came to stop at a beautiful piano.

"Do you play?" I asked, and he nodded in response.

"Play me something."

He sat down behind the piano, and he allowed his fingers to dance across the keys. He was amazingly gifted. He played a combination of different melodies, and they all flowed together so nicely. When he was finished I clapped for him, still in awe of his talent.

"Can you play?"

I was taken aback by his question, and I blushed and answered "A little, and very poorly. Trust me, it is nothing you want to hear. Besides, I only know one song."

"Play it for me." I shook my head no violently, but he pulled me down next to him. He just sat their staring at me.

"We can sit here all day."

"I can't play after I've heard you."

He put his hand under my chin and lifted my face up to his. He gazed at me with those gorgeous eyes and said "Please" and I couldn't resist any longer.

"Fine." I huffed out. "but don't say I didn't warn you."

I let my fingers go into place, and thought of the only melody I knew, and it was the melody of my star locket. As I listen to myself play it, I began to cry. It brought back so many memories. Memories that I had kept safely hidden until I met this guy, and I don't know for how much longer I can take it.

The melody was simple and quick, and by the end of it there was nothing but silence. Edward just sat their staring at me, and I quickly moved my hand to wipe the tears away.

"That was beautiful." He said softly. "Are you alright?"

I nodded my head and composed myself. "I'm fine." I turned to face Edward and was met with a smile.

"What?" I questioned him.

He didn't say anything. He just stared, and I felt myself blush even more. His eyes were so intense.

"Get a room!" Emmett came busting into the room, and I hid my face from being seen. The rest of the family came into the room and began to sit in the chairs surrounding the area. Edward put his hand on my back and began to rub it softly, and it put an ease to my embarrassment.

Almost immediately everyone was entered into a conversation. I learned more about the interest of Edward's family, and Edward himself. I let lose some of my interest, and they picked on me when I left out food. It felt so comfortable being around them, and I was so glad I finally found somewhere that didn't make me feel like a science project.

Time flew by quickly, and before I knew it, it was time to go.

"You can stay here if you like." Alice added quickly.

"Thanks," I said with a smile. "but visiting is one thing, I don't know about sleeping with a house full of Vampires, especially one that can read minds." I said jokingly. Everyone laughed at me, except for Rosalie, and then bid me farewell as Edward proceeded to take me home.

"Did you enjoy yourself?" Edward asked as we started out of his driveway.

"I did. That was so much fun!"

He laughed. "I'm glad. You should come over more often."

"I don't want to intrude."

"Please, they all loved you."

"How do you know?!?"

"Mind reader."

"Oh yea. Well, Rosalie I know didn't like me being there."

Edward didn't respond at first, but then he said, "She just needs some time to trust you. Everyone else automatically trusts you because I do, but Rosalie has to figure things out for herself."

"That's understandable."

The rest of the trip was left in a comfortable silence, and all too soon my house came into view. Edward, being the gentleman that he is, opened my car door and walked me to my door.

"I had a great time tonight. Thank you for inviting me."

"I'm glad you came." There was a moment of awkward silence before I said, "Well, I should get inside." I turned to open the door.

"Wait."

I turned back to face Edward, and he was smiling at me once again. "I just want to let you know, it's going to be hard to shake me."

I gave him a confused look, and he explained.

"You have been the light that I've been missing in my life, and I'm not going to let you go very easily." And with that, he was gone, leaving me with a blush staining my face.

I felt incredibly giddy at that moment, and I know that it was because I finally felt normal again…even if it was for a moment.

There's another chapter! I hope everyone enjoyed it, and PLEASE REVIEW!!!

-Lizzy