I own nothing but Erin Black.

I sighed, leaning against Seth. Billy and Old Quil had just finished the histories and I hadn't realized how tired I was till right then. It was like living the legends when Uncle Billy told them, drawing all of your attention and energy and leaving you exhausted. I'd heard them before but now that they were true, it so much different.

I looked around, groggily. Kim had her eyes closed again, head on Jared's shoulder, plainly asleep. I looked over just in time to see Bella close her eyes and drift off. Quil and Embry were talking to each other in hushed tones. Paul and Sam were muttering to Jared as he got up, pulling Kim up bridal style with him. Emily was thanking Uncle Billy, Sue and Old Quil, showing them her notebook. Leah had already gotten up, walking down to the water.

Jacob pulled Bella's phone out of her pocket, flipped it open and found Edward in her contacts. I was proud of how civilized and polite Jacob was during the conversation, but was so tired I didn't even really hear the words he was actually saying. "I'm taking Bella to him. Seth, you watch out for Erin, please."

He lifted Bella up and walked towards his Rabbit.

Seth kissed my forehead, "Ready to go home, 'Rin?"

I moaned a little, resting my head on his arm and closing my eyes. I heard footsteps and, a second later, Quil's voice, "Come on, Baby Erin. Your pillow's more comfortable then Seth's arm, I guarantee."

"Yeah, but it's not as warm," I countered, feebly. Seth chuckled and got up, pulling me into his arms.

"Come on, I'll carry you." Seth offered.

I shook my head and pushed out of his arms, stumbling and landing in Embry's arms. "Wow, you are out of it, sis."

I mumbled something that I don't even remember before I felt Seth sweep me off my feet as if I weighed about as much as a feather. The rocking sensation as he carried me to the van pulling me closer and closer to sleep. He somehow opened the door and put me in the passenger's seat. I waved to Embry and Quil before he shut the door and got in on the driver's.

Then I gave in and passed out.

When I woke up, I kept my eyes closed and reveled in the moment. God, I swore, my bed had never felt this good, warm and toasty. I sighed in content, snuggling into my hard pillow. Then I realized, it wasn't a pillow, it was a chest. I opened my eyes slowly, blinking around in confusion.

Seth was next to me, still fast asleep, on my bed. I smiled and bit my lip, glancing at the alarm clock on my bedside table. 10 am on a Saturday. Laying my head back down, I breathed in Seth's scent, butterflies fluttering to life in the pit of my stomach. Lord, I could get used to this, waking up like this.

Seth hadn't ever stayed over before. We'd talked about how Kim and Jared hardly ever spent a night apart but never discussed us doing the same. We were still new to each other as a couple and the last sleepover we'd been allowed to spend in the same room was before middle school. I liked, no loved, it. My ear rested on Seth's chest. His heart beat, a constant thumping, relaxed me. It was comforting, like a lullaby.

Lying there, a startling realization fell over me. I could see myself doing just this in ten years, twenty years, or sixty. I knew I loved Seth but in that moment, it hit me that I really wanted to spend the rest of my life with him, every day and every moment. I looked up, at his peaceful face that looked so childish in sleep.

"I love you so much, Seth Clearwater." I whispered, shifting to kiss his cheek before I got up.

Seth stayed asleep while I changed and got dressed, which I knew he would. I got a t-shirt and sweatpants on, not really expecting to do much that day and never feeling pressured to impress my boyfriend, who'd seen me in a Blue's Clues onesie as a child.

Quietly, I tiptoed over to Seth, hoping Jake wasn't home to hear the extra heart beat and what I was about to say, "Seth, Seth, wake up!" I whispered, running my fingers through his short hair. "Dork, get up, Billy could be here any minute." Seth only sighed before going back to his light snoring. I rolled my eyes. "Seth Harry Clearwater, get up, now!" I snapped, still whispering but adding an edge. Again there was no response. I sighed, getting an idea. "Fine!"

Then I leaned down, kissing him hard on the lips like I saw in all those romance books Miss. Lahote tried to get me to read. In seconds, he was kissing me back, tangling his hand in my hair. I giggled and pulled away, keeping our faces close, "Good morning."

"Yeah, it is." Seth commented, fully awake now. I rolled my eyes again and rested my hand against his cheek for a moment.

"Get up and go through the window. I'm guessing Billy doesn't know you're here. Let's keep it that way." I told him, pulling him off the bed. He jumped up, pecking my lips quickly.

"I'll be back in, like, twenty minutes." He whispered. I nodded, waving him off.

I exited my bedroom, trying to look casual as I walked to the kitchen where I heard Billy moving around. I sat at the table, smiling, "Good morning Uncle Billy."

"Morning, Erin. Did you like the histories?" He asked, passing me a plate of bacon and scrambled eggs.

"Yeah, they were awesome." I looked around, "Where's Jake?"

"He had early patrol." Billy explained. "Um, listen Erin. I woke up and there was a letter with the mail, it's for you." I raised an eyebrow as he handed me the envelope. "Emmie left town last night."

Pausing for a moment, I sat back in my chair and examined the letter. An expected feeling of melancholy fell over my shoulders, making them slump. I had spent hours and hours wishing Emmie would just disappear again like always, but now... I ripped the letter open and pulled a piece of paper out.

Dear Erin Avery Black,

I know, so formal. No, I really wrote your full name because I've always loved your name. I gave it to you after all, but your name is the name I always wanted. Always hated Emmie Ava! Anyway, I have some things I'd like to get off my chest and if we're being honest, I'm a coward, baby girl, and could never tell you any of this in person.

I want you to know, now that you're older, that I've made many mistakes in my life. This trip has made it clear to me that you already know that but I figured I'd confess to you myself. I'm known in my family for randomly showing up, stirring up trouble and then hitting the road. But, baby girl, if there is one thing I didn't screw up in this whole world, it's you.

When I got pregnant, I wanted to keep you, but I didn't and you should be thankful. Sarah was a much better mother than I could ever be and my brother is the most fatherly person I've ever met. I was just the dumb 17-year-old who messed around with a 23-year-old she knew full well would screw her over in the end. Moms should know better than that and you deserved better.

My point, Erin Avery, is that when you really look at it, I gave you your best chance. I gave you a life that set you up with the best opportunities available. And isn't that what every good mother does? Because I promise that's all I've ever tried to be, a good mother. The problem is if there is one thing I'm good at, it's failing.

Now, my baby is fifteen, a mere two years away from the age I was when you were born, and I am so proud of you. You're pretty and kind and honest and a great friend. I think you took all my traits and Joshua's and swapped them out for their opposites. It's good that we aren't alike. I tend to hate me, but this way I can love you, even if it's just from afar.

Now I'm going again (try not to jump for joy) before I end up ruining your life.

Love,

Emmie (Your mom, though you love to deny it)

P.S. think about losing some weight in your legs, they look a little pudgy. Nobody likes thunder thighs.

I smiled a little and looked to see Billy watching me, "She was just saying bye and that I should lose some weight."

He sighed and rested a hand over mine, "That's my sister for you."