A/N:Thank you so much for all that have favorited, followed, and reviewed this story so far, you guys are what keep the cogs turning in this chaotic thing I call my mind.

Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight, just Sydney and her weird antics

Happy reading!

P.s. I apologize to anyone who's already read this, I had to fix some typos and add some details and whatnot

"Dad, I'm fine." I stressed for had to be the fifth time in the past ten minutes.

After getting settled in, I decided to call my father to pass time, but that proved to be a major mistake. The man was in full mother-hen mode, and it was suffocating even from thousands of miles away.

"Look, Sydney, I know Billy's a great man and all," said smothering parent was saying, "But you forget I've known him since we were children. And frankly, the guy can be a bit forgetful at times."

I rolled my eyes, pointing my camera at the ceiling to test the lighting. I was practically burning to film my new room, yet I knew if I attempted doing so while speaking to my father he would definitely catch on to my distracted tone.

A sigh left my lips.

And then I would be subjected to yet another one of his absurdly long lectors. And trust me, the man could talk a politician's ear off.

My mind recoiled at the idea, focusing back on the conversation at hand.

"Remember that time you and Jacob got your hands stuck in the toilet?" he demanded. I opened my mouth to answer that that particular incident happened at school, not the Black's residence, but he didn't wait, words jumbling into each other as he ruthlessly ploughed onwards. "It took fifteen minutes for someone to notice two five year olds were missing. Fifteen minutes! That's way too long!"

His voice took on a panicked edge, and I groaned, knowing what was coming before the words even left his mouth.

"Sydney, maybe this isn't such a good idea."

My heart leapt in my throat.

No! I couldn't be sent back home. I refused.

Everything would be for nothing.

And I absolutely would not allow that to happen.

"Dad I'm seventeen, not seven." I answered, beyond exasperated by this point. "I don't require twenty-four hour supervision."

"That's not the point!" he exclaimed, and I could imagine him flailing his arms about exuberantly. Unfortunately, yes, my dad was that guy. The one that spoke with his entire body and overreacted about every miniscule thing.

Sometimes it was endearing, but right now it was just plain annoying.

"Look Dad-" I broke in, knowing he was going to launch into another tirade, "Billy just called for dinner and I have to go now."

His answering words were dubious.

"At four o'clock?"

My eyes snapped to the clock on my nightstand. It blared the same numbers back at me.

4:00 p.m.

Shit. I didn't realize it was that early.

"Yup." I lied anyway. Anything to end this ridiculous conversation.

"I didn't hear him." He protested. Clearly frowning, if the tone of his voice were any indication.

"I did." I countered.

"Let me speak with him." He challenged.

My pulse stuttered a little.

"He's busy." I retorted flippantly.

He huffed.

"Sydney-"

"Dad you're breaking up!" I exclaimed, rubbing my sleeve against the receiver to create a static noise. "I think all the rain is here is messing with the connection."

There was a brief pause in which I thought I'd successfully fooled him, but I should have known he'd read me better than that.

It was the oldest trick in the book after all.

"Sydney, a little drizzling doesn't mess with phone connections." he deadpanned.

I made a face.

Well it should.

"Sydney..." he attempted once more, but by now I was beyond fed up. He had to learn to let go, I couldn't be his little girl forever.

And frankly, I didn't want to.

I loved my Dad, but it was about time I made my own decisions.

Starting now.

"Look Dad," I stated firmly, "I love you, but I have to go now. Goodbye."

I heard an intake of breath that indicated he was about to speak, and quickly hung up the phone.

Click.

My entire body relaxed into the mattress, and I switched the camera on, attempting to calm the elevated beating my heart.

That was close, I thought as I panned the camera across the space, Any longer and he might have actually considered flying me back.

I zoomed in on the open window, trailing the raindrops as they dripped down the glass, before panning over to my door, where I let out a startled squeak.

Someone was in my doorway.

"Billy!" I exclaimed, eyes wide. When did he get there? "What the heck!"

I narrowed my eyes suspiciously and he laughed, wheeling further into the room. His chair made zero noise over the wooden floors, and I vaguely wondered if he was part ninja.

"How long have you been there?" I demanded, stomach flipping. I absolutely detested when people snuck on me.

What if I did something embarrassing like document my videos in Peter Griffin's voice out of boredom? Or attempt to twerk in my underwear when my favorite song comes on?

Both of which, sadly, being as goofy as I am, I did quite often. And the thought of anyone walking in on that was mortifying.

"A while." he admitted, playful smile quirking his lips at my disapproving look. "I thought you would notice me the moment I arrived, but you never did." he offered as explanation.

His dark eyes flickered to my cellphone at my side and his smile broadened.

"Your old man's still a worry-wart I see."

I groaned.

"Unfortunately."

A soft chuckle left his lips.

"Some things never change." he murmured, before wheeling towards the door. "Come." he instructed and I followed him obediently.

He lead us to the tribal themed dining room before stopping, turning to me with raised brows.

"Well?" he asked, noting my confused expression, "Let's set up for that early dinner you told your Pops about."

Cheeky.

"Sydney you wouldn't recognize Jake and the others." Billy said as we sat in front of the old television in the living room. After helping to prepare dinner (really, just handing him stuff), we decided to pass time until the others got here. Some old Catfish re-run was on, but I was far more interested in the stories Billy was telling in my years of absence.

"Really?" I asked, intrigued. Had everyone really changed that much?

I thought of my own appearance since I'd last been in La Push.

Back then I was on the chubby side, with wild curly hair that looked as if I'd been electrocuted, and large amber eyes. I fingered my now collar-length wavy hair, glancing down at my toned, slender physique.

Would they recognize me?

Billy nodded.

"Puberty's been very kind to them." he answered, and I got the feeling I was missing some sort of inside joke by the secretive way he smiled.

Huh?

I opened my mouth to inquire exactly what he meant, when the doorbell rang, playing the same chiming lullaby I remembered. My pulse skittered, excitement surging through my veins.

Was that Rachel?

Or Rebecca?

Or Jake?

Billy must have caught on to my giddiness, giving an encouraging nod towards the door. I practically sprinted out of the room, pausing just before the door to exhale deeply, before yanking it open.

I was speechless.

The man on the front porch was the most gorgeous thing I had ever laid eyes upon. He stood an impressive 6'5, smooth copper skin pulling taught over rippling muscles. He was shirtless, despite the weather, abdominals so pronounced they appeared capable of cutting glass. His facial features were sharp and angular, with full sensual lips and a well-shaped nose.

And his eyes. Dear god his eyes were the color of melted chocolate, and staring right at me.

Something jolted through me. Something palpable, and jarring, and so intense my knees went weak. Suddenly I wanted to know everything about this man. His dreams. His wants. His desires.

Especially his desires.

The furthest I'd ever gone with a guy was when Brandon Cooper attempted to cop a feel of my boob while we were kissing in his car. I had totally freaked and avoided him for weeks, yet now my mind flashed through several scenes that involved me and Mr. Gorgeous in very compromising and very sweaty predicaments.

His gaze bored into mine, and when he swiped his tongue absently across his lower lip my lady-parts burst into tingles.

Oh God.

Something was seriously wrong with me. I'd never reacted this strongly to a guy before.

It was frightening.

After several prolonged minutes of what was essentially eye-sex, I couldn't take it, forcefully ripping my gaze away. I could still feel him staring at me, and pointedly cleared my throat.

That seemed to snap him out of it, and he did the same, eyes aimed in any direction but mine.

So there we stood, each avoiding eye contact with the other, yet stealing small peeks from the corners of our eyes like kindergartners, despite the very adult tension.

I bit my lip as I stole another peek only to encounter brown eyes, and immediately focused on my bare feet. This was so awkward.

Usually by now I would have fled a situation like this, (me plus silence equals no-no) but something inside me was urging me to engage him. To hear the voice I knew would make me a floundering puddle of pathetic goo at his feet. So I opened my mouth and said the first thing that came to mind.

"Hi, I'm Sydney."

Apparently it was the exact wrong thing to say.

His eyes nearly doubled in size, flickering in recognition, before he shoved past, nearly knocking me off my feet as he hastily barreled into the house and down the hall. The distant sound of a door slamming served as a shock to my senses, and then I began to panic.

Did I just allow a stranger into Billy's home?

"Um...Billy?" I called uncertainly. I was still staring in the direction Mr. Gorgeous has fled. His face had taken on a panicked edge, and it was almost as if he couldn't get away from me fast enough.

But I had to have imagined that. Right?

What business did someone as big as him have being scared of me?

It made no sense.

Unless he was a burglar.

But then again burglars don't ring doorbells do they Sydney?

Nope. No they did not.

Or at least I hoped they didn't.

"Who was at the door Sydney?"

Billy had entered the room, eyes traveling from me to the still open door with raised brows.

I bit my lip, shutting the door quietly.

"I don't know." I admitted. But he was smokin' hot.

Billy's brows climbed even higher.

"You don't...know?" he echoed dubiously.

I nodded, my skin beginning to flush under his intense stare. This was so embarrassing.

"I didn't get to even ask!" I babbled, feeling helpless."He just shoved past me and went into one of the rooms!"

Billy looked as if he was on the verge of laughter, a bemused smile curling his lips and eyes twinkling mischievously.

"Which room Sydney?"

I frowned.

What did that even matter?

Billy's smirk grew more pronounced.

"Just check the room."

I rolled my eyes, but in reality I was actually sort of anxious. Why did Billy want me to check which room Mr. Gorgeous locked himself into? He clearly didn't want to be bothered.

Sucking in a quick breath, I walked into the hall. Two doors lined each side, and I automatically ticked off Billy's room, my new room, and the bathroom as they were all left ajar. There was only one door that was shut, and shock spiraled through my body so fast I nearly fainted.

Mr. Gorgeous was Jake.

Jake remained in his room until the doorbell rang for the second time nearly an hour later. This time I let Billy get the door, still embarrassed by my earlier episode with his son.

Clearly I'd offended him by not recognizing him at the door. And now he was avoiding me.

My heart pinched uncomfortably at the idea, and I slumped further into the couch. He was my best friend growing up. We were supposed to pick up where we left off.

I never expected him to brush me off like that, even if I had managed to insult him. It was so uncharacteristic of the Jake I used to know I wondered if his body and looks weren't the only things that changed drastically.

Did he even still consider me his friend?

"Billy! Jakey-boy!" a loud voice bellowed, and my curiosity got the better of me. I crept from the living room to peer into the doorway, watching as Billy conversed amicably with a man that was nearly as large as Jake.

Almost as if sensing my presence, his eyes darted in my direction, causing me to release a yelp of surprise.

"And you must be Sydney!" he deduced, dark eyes taking me in. He was very handsome, though in a more mature way than Jake was.

I crept from behind the wall shyly, giving a spastic little wave.

"Yup." I mumbled, glancing at him from beneath my lashes. "That's me."

Sydney the creep.

Billy must have noticed my discomfort, wheeling until he was at my side. He placed a light hand on my arm.

"Sydney, you remember Paul right?"

I nodded, eyes narrowing as my mind conjured up an image of a young boy with crazy hair. The difference between that boy and the man before me was astounding, and I found myself gaping in awe. This was skinny, buck-toothed Paul?

I guess Billy wasn't lying when he said puberty's been good to everyone.

Then another thought struck me, and my eyes narrowed further.

"You used to pop the heads off my dolls and hide them around the yard." I accused, and Paul barked out a laugh at my petulant look.

"Yep." he snorted between guffaws. "That was most definitely me. Although Jakey-boy used to give me hell about it."

I smiled, memories of a five year old Jake chasing a seven year old Paul off with a bat while I cheered floating through my mind. Jake would even help me find all the doll heads afterwards and re-attatch them, even though he always complained that they were stupid.

A warm feeling settled through me.

He really was kind.

"Speak of the devil." Paul's eyes flashed past my shoulder, and I tensed when I realized Jake had entered the room while I was lost in my thoughts, and was standing directly behind me.

This time with a shirt.

Excitement and dread spiraled together in my stomach, the conflicting emotions making me almost nauseous.

"Paul." he greeted simply, and his voice washed over me like melted butter. Like I knew it would. I took a subtle step closer to Billy to alleviate the sensation, not making eye contact with anyone.

No. I couldn't feel like that. He was Jake. My best friend.

Who cared if he was ridiculously attractive now? That changed nothing.

I took another step for good measure and Paul noticed, giving me a curious look I ignored.

Yes we were awkward dammit!

My shoulders slumped dejectedly.

And I had no idea how to fix it.

Not when even now Jake refused to look at me.

And he was making it quite obvious too, broad back angled towards me and tensing at every little movement I made. It was as if he was attempting to eradicate my presence from the room by ignoring me, and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't hurt by it.

Where did I go wrong?

Multiple explanations raced through my mind to explain his behavior.

Was he bitter that I left? It wasn't my fault, I never had a say in the matter.

After Mom died, Dad just uprooted us and moved away. He couldn't stand the thought of continuing to live in the place that reminded him so much of the woman he loved without the woman he loved.

I still remembered it as vividly as if it'd happened mere minutes ago. Dad packing up the van immediately following Mom's funeral, the empty house, the lonely feeling festering in my chest as we drove away and I saw twelve year old Jake dashing out of his house in the rear-view mirror. The pain that flowed through me as he stared forlornly as we grew further and further away.

I hadn't even gotten to say goodbye.

When we arrived in California I attempted to call, but Dad said it was too expensive. It wasn't until several years later when I got my own cellphone that I was able to get back in contact with the Blacks again. But by then Jake was always out, or at school, or working. Which led to my decision to come here and see him in person.

But now I wasn't sure if that was such a good idea.

Paul's gaze flickered back and forth between the two of us, taking in the excessive space between our bodies with a calculating look I didn't like one bit. Then he fixated on Jake, and something seemed to click, a slow smile spreading across his lips.

Uh-oh.

That was the same exact smile he wore all those years ago as he sadistically popped my dolls' heads off.

My body filled with dread the moment he opened his fat mouth.

"So I bet you're glad Sydney's back huh Jake?' Paul asked conversationally, and I cringed, my entire body wanting to curl in on itself. Oh god why.

Jacob shrugged, though I could feel his gaze burning into the side of my face.

"I don't really care one way or another."

Ouch.

His voice was flat, an indistinguishable tremor flashing through his gaze as he shot me a look filled with such animosity I gave a violent flinch.

He hated me.

I couldn't believe it.

I was in shock.

An acute pang stabbed through my chest, and I lifted a hand to rub at it absently, an action that was lost to neither Billy or Paul who exchanged meaningful looks, though the former was clearly frowning.

"Jacob that was uncalled for." the older man reprimanded, but his son made no response, making me feel even smaller. Okay, so clearly I wasn't wanted.

Paul, on the other hand, was sending the younger man mischievous looks at his answer.

"She sure did get hot though, right Jake?" he commented, and my face erupted in flames. Really Paul?

I knew what he was doing. The ass clearly wanted to make Jake and I uncomfortable for some reason, but what I wanted to know was why?

Things were already strained enough.

While I blushed like mad, Jake remained emotionless except for a minor tick of his brow.

Paul's smile broadened.

"You have fantastic legs Syd." he told me and my face flushed further. By now I probably resembled a fire truck as I tucked my face behind my hands in embarrassment.

His eyes flickered to Jake's.

"And a great rack too." he added, Cheshire grin stretching nearly to his ears.

Jake's posture stiffened, his eyes boring into the older boy's.

"Paul stop it." I whined, and felt Jacob shift closer to me.

"Hey Paul, aren't you supposed to be meeting Rachel somewhere?" he demanded, and I could have sworn I felt a light touch on my waist.

They shared a hard stare and Paul smirked knowingly, his expression displaying his thoughts as clear as day. 'I knew it.' it seemed to say.

Though what he knew, I had absolutely no idea.

"Actually," he drawled, "Rachel and I are staying for dinner tonight." A cheeky grin curved his lips. "Isn't that great Jakey?"

Jacob's head snapped accusingly in his father's direction. His arm brushed against mine as he did so, and his ridiculous heat sprang up my arm like lightning, leaving small prickles in its wake. He was like a human furnace, and suddenly I wanted nothing more than to sag my body against his and relish in the delicious warmth.

But I refrained for obvious reasons, rearing back as if burned as soon as our skin made contact.

Jacob scowled, though I wasn't sure if it was from our accidental touch or Paul's words.

Probably a mixture of both.

"You invited them?" he hissed, dark eyes flashing with disbelief. Billy shrugged, though I detected a hint of disapproval in the thinning of his lips.

"They asked." he answered simply. "Besides, I haven't seen Rachel in awhile."

Jacob groaned, running a clearly agitated hand through his hair, making it stand up at odd angles. I recalled back when he had long hair and how envious I'd been of its manageableness compared to my curly monstrosity. Clearly, that was no longer the case.

"Rachel was here yesterday." he griped.

I frowned at the conversation.

What did Jake have against Rachel? Based on what I remembered they were extremely close.

But then again, Jake and I used to be close as well, and look at us now.

We haven't even spoken to each other.

"Wait a second. Rachel was here yesterday?" Paul looked scandalized as he glanced between father and son, "She told me she was with Leah!"

"Did someone say my name?"

A heavily pregnant Rachel waddled into the house then, and my face split into a large smile. She was just as I remembered, except with shorter hair and more pronounced cheekbones. Her brown eyes alighted on me and widened, before recognition flickered in their depths.

"Sydney!" she squealed, tackling me into an embrace. I could feel her large stomach pressing against me and she squeezed with seemingly all her might. "You're so beautiful."

I laughed, hugging her back. I'd missed her almost as much as I missed-

I cut my thoughts short, remembering the person I came to see the most wanted absolutely nothing to do with me.

Said boy was currently rolling his eyes at us, and when when he caught me looking he glowered, snapping his head in the opposite direction.

I huffed.

Geez. I get it already.

"And you're so busted." Paul cut in, arms crossed sternly as he appeared beside us. He gave Rachel a hard look. "You told me you were with Leah."

Rachel pulled away from me, rolling her eyes at him.

"Yeah, so?" she challenged, "And I told her I was with you. You've both been smothering me since I became pregnant and I needed a break."

"But what if something happened to you?" he protested, "You have to be more careful."

Rachel was nonchalantly checking her nails, causing her father to snort rather loudly. Paul sent him a dirty look and a pained expression that clearly translated: 'Don't encourage her.'

"Dully noted." she replied airily.

Paul did not look impressed.

"I'm perfectly safe on the reservation Paul, you know that." she huffed, then added a muttered, "You dogs are everywhere."

Paul was clearly exasperated, staring the women down with a glower before sighing and pulling her into his arms. It occurred to me then that the two of them were a couple, and as I watched him bend his head to claim her lips, a sense of longing shot through me so strong I gasped.

I snuck a quick peek at Jake, only to see he was already staring at me. Or more specifically, at my lips. When he noticed I was staring back however, he grimaced, stalking quickly from the room.

My chest constricted, and again I found myself clutching it.

A/n: I decided to stop it here since it was getting pretty long. I know this chapter was mostly dialogue and setting things up but I promise some excitement in the next one. Please let me know what you thought in your reviews!