I was so exhausted that when we came back to the house, I practically fell on my bed, not bothering to get changed. I slept peacefully, no thoughts of what I had learned earlier sneaking into my dreams. The next day, Friday, was unusually bright and warm; yay mid-sixties. It was better and worse, better, because the Cullen's where gone, so I didn't have to think about what I learned at the bonfire, and worse because I was so worn out I barely registered what the teachers where talking about. Thankfully, Big Mac kept me updated and focused. I went home and slept. So I'm lazy, sue me.

The next morning, I leapt into a shower, got dressed and was out the door before eight. It was misty and pouring rain, but other than that, smooth sailings all the way down to Seattle. Finding his road was difficult, in the mass of the city, but I found it. It was a neat one-story house, white, with a chain link fence and large windows and blinds. Here it was lighter, and there wasn't any rain. Two cars where parked in their driveway, a little black Porche and an old white Chevy. I sniggered at the contrast. It was obvious whose car was who's. The door was mahogany, with a golden doorknob. I smirked. Good boy, changing the locks. I knocked twice, rolling back on my heels and leaning against the faded wooden railing that I hadn't noticed was there before.

The door swung open, revealing an excited mother. I grinned sheepishly as she gasped. Shayne's mom-who's, for some reason, name I couldn't remember-was about five feet seven, with light brown curls and vibrant green eyes. She was wearing her traditional jeans and a pink blouse, with a white apron around her waist. From the scent wafting from inside, I could guess she was baking.

"Oh Natalie, it's so good to see you!" She cheered, pulling me into a bone-crushing embrace. "You're just as beautiful as I remember!" I chuckled and hugged her back awkwardly. I forgot how light and bell sounding her voice was. It reminded me too much of them.

"Thanks Mrs. Conalds. It's good to see you too." She laughed, pulling away from me and holding out a hand. The other was resting on my arm.

"I'm not Mrs. Conalds anymore, I'm Mrs. Orchard!"

I gasped as I looked at her wedding ring, acting surprised. It was a simple diamond ring with a silver base. I smiled at her.

"Well, congratulations! Is the Mister here today?"

She giggled and blushed.

"Oh, no, no, he's out with a client. He told me that this one's for sure going to buy!"

I tilted my head to the side. She laughed.

"Oh that's right! Duke works as a super marketer. He's trying to sell this one for a while now, and he thinks this one's going to buy! Oh, he's so excited!"

"Mary Beth, who's out there?" A deep voice shouted from the living room. It sounded like one of those old drunkard people you see in movies, his voice, but at the same time, held the chivalrous attitude of a late thirteen thirties nobleman.

She gave me an apologetic glance.

"Sorry, it's Vernon. He's been jumpy ever since Shayne told him about the 'red eyes' that he keeps seeing." She led me inside, pausing so I could slip off my shoes and put them next to the door. "Won't stop about it. He's being ridiculous. 'If I hadn't shown up, that monster would've had him for dinner!' Then it's story after story of his 'Vampire Hunting'. Probably not the best to interrupt though." She prattled on, leading me through the kitchen and opening another swinging, mahogany door that led to the living room. Inside was just as plain as outside, white everywhere. The floors however, where covered in a lovely blue carpet. In the middle of the room was a small wooden coffee table. The eastern wall was empty except for a window; the northern held a simple brown couch, where Uncle Vernon was sitting, and the southern wall held a basic entertainment system, with a 32" flat screen, though it was silent. Shayne was sitting in front of his uncle, seeming to soak every detail spilling form the elder's mouth.

I cocked my head to the side, grinning when neither seemed to notice me. Uncle Vernon was telling a story, using his hands for emphasis. Only when his hands (and therefore eyes) where shoved in my direction was I acknowledged. He blinked, pausing his story, therefore dragging Shayne's attention to me. I gave him a lopsided smile. Shayne beamed, scrambling to his feet, and gave me a hug, forcing my hands around his neck as he did so. I waved to Uncle Vernon, who was giving me a scrutinizing look, his elbows resting on his legs, his hands directed inward. I gave him a smile, sitting cross-legged like Shayne was.

"Would you like to hear the story missy?" He asked. Polite, but still had that sense of an old drunkard traced in his slurred words. Maybe muffled is a more courteous description; he had a thick mustache on his upper lip. I shook my head.

"Actually, I had a few questions for you." I stated politely. He nodded, but his eyes where guarded.

"Yes, I remember Shayne mentioning that." He murmured. Uncle Vernon repositioned himself on the couch, scooting back a bit more and laying his left ankle on his right knee. He laid his arm around the back of the couch.

"Well sir-" I started.

"Call me Uncle Vernon." He interrupted, with a small twitch of his lips. His eyes where still guarded.

"Uncle Vernon," Somehow, that didn't sound right coming from my lips. "I was wondering how you got into this business. I mean, something must have happened for you to believe it's all real." Thank goodness Mary had left the room; she would've thought I was crazy. Vernon's eyebrows furrowed; I had asked the wrong question. He leaned forward, planting both feet on the ground. His hand stayed on the couch.

"Young lady, why use such a word as 'believe'? After all, believe has the word 'lie' in its very script." His eyes had a certain sparkle to them, a little mischievous glint that seemed to imply more than what had been said. Ignoring my baffled expression, he continued, once again pulling on the relaxed pose he had before.

"'Believe' is a very loose word young one, and let me tell you, it's all real. Very real. I remember what had me started, oh so excruciatingly clear. I was a boy, not but a few years older than Shayne. I had a simple life in a simple city, though I dare not say where for your sake, near a forest."

Why did I have a nagging suspicion that Forks was the 'city' he described? I pushed the thought away.

"I was casing Willy, my chocolate lab mix, trying to get him out of the forest. I called to him, but he wouldn't come. Soon I was all but lost, barely able to see in the dense overcast. It was starting to cool, so I guess it was around supper, when I heard the squeal. It wasn't really a squeal, but it was guttural, and sounded much like a buck that had gotten itself stuck in a trap. Naturally curious, I sought out the poor victim. The sound cut off just as I peered around the bushes." He paused, his eyes darting around (though the direction of his vision was straight ahead), lost in a sight neither Shayne nor I could see. His mouth was open. He closed it after a second, swallowed, and continued. "The most beautiful creature I have ever laid eyes on. Her hair was that of a floating feather, and just as light blonde. Her teeth where locked around the buck's throat, quickly draining it of its blood. But she had heard my coming, and she straightened. Her head tilted to the side, caramel orbs staring intently at me. 'Do not be afraid.' She said, her voice lighter than the smallest chime of bells."

He paused, glancing quickly down at us. I couldn't keep the relentless interest out of my gaze.

"Then, more pooled around her. One set of twins, a dark haired girl, and a dark base and light topped boy. At once I knew what they where. Their caramel eyes proved they where different than most. I actually learned a lot from them. Oh the adventures they must have! The dark haired boy explain that they where a coven, and only passing through, and that they would not disrupt my home's balance. He also explained that vampire's where dangerous creatures, and to be careful of going anywhere alone. After I asked how to protect my friends and family from the monsters, he told me the only way to truly kill a vampire: tearing it limb form limb and burn the pieces. Later I found that a vampires' skin is harder than stone. Willy bounded from behind the group then, and when I looked up, they where gone. I did, however, manage to find a picture, placed where they had once been gathered. It had the boy's name on it, with a line of poetry beneath it."

His hand moved from the couch, and he started to dig through his topcoat, bringing my attention to his clothing. He had a plain white, long-sleeved shirt underneath a black topcoat, and jeans. Dirtying socks covered his feet. He pulled out the picture. It was slightly worn, and before he turned it over I could tell it was in black and white.

The picture was of Elijah and his brothers and sisters: Jedediah, William, Tabitha, and Cathleen. I carefully traced the edges of the old picture, scarcely believing my own eyes. Now this is hard-core evidence. Uncle Vernon chuckled.

"Would you like it? The original is hidden in a safe place."

I could barely get my throat to move; my voice wasn't over a whisper.

"Yes. That would mean so much."

"Turn it over; the date that it was taken is on the back, with the kids name and the line of poetry."

I obliged. On the back, in a script that was way too familiar, was written:

MUCH madness is divinest sense

To a discerning eye;

Much sense the starkest madness.

'T is the majority

In this, as all, prevails.

Assent, and you are sane;

Demur,—you 're straightway dangerous,

And handled with a chain.

Vigilia Lamia and Coven

1862

I traced it, mumbling the words to myself. It's like this guy KNEW how I felt. Vigilia Lamia. The date was 1862, which meant that each of them must be at least 146 years old. I furrowed my brow. So, if the signature was from Vigilia that must mean...

My jaw dropped. Elijah or one of his brother and sisters was the one helping me out! I tried to remember that night that seemed so long ago. I did feel like someone was following me, and I could picture the God-like creature Elijah hidden in the trees, watching me with that curiously frustrated stare he always has around me. I couldn't get it out of my head.

The rest of the visit seemed blurred and insignificant to this one piece of information. I tried to focus, I really did, but all of my efforts where fruitless. Shayne didn't appear to notice; he was much too busy listening to Vernon's stories. Only when an angry Mary shoved the two of us out to go do something, did I try to regain some time to actually swap recent news with him. He was angry with me for getting kicked out of yet another school, but he was much more livid about Tyrone, stating that if he ever got word or sight of him there would be hell to pay, and applauded me on breaking his jaw. He stated that his school life was going well, considering the fact that he was new. He even boldly stated that he had his eyes on a girl, and got some feedback stating that she was interested in him too. I felt happy for him, but at the same time, I felt an irritated feeling. Startled, I realized that I was jealous of this new girl because Shayne used to be interested in me. I shoved the feeling away. It's better that he didn't have a girl like me; I'd be all wrong for a good guy like him. I offered some advice and some encouragement; it'd be one less guy I have to worry about hurting. Now if only I could do the same for Seth...

I recoiled at the idea, and was surprised at how reluctant I was about letting another girl get close to my boys. Wait, did I just say they where mine? Okay, I really need to stop getting so close to them; it'd only be time before Sam has to move me away. I withdrew from that thought too; I didn't want to leave and never see them again. It shocked me at how close I was to everyone in the short time I have been with them. Especially Seth, Embry, Quil, and Jacob. Even Kim and Sam. I shook my head to clear it.

Not much later I said my good-byes and left for home, new feelings reeling in my mind. No, they must have been there before; I just pushed them aside. Deciding to do take-out instead of warming up a plate of Emily's cooking, I pulled into the first McDonald's I found. I sat the food on the seat next to me, occasionally munching on a fry when I felt like it. When I pulled into the garage, the house was dark, so I carefully closed the door behind me and discarded my garbage, then slunk upstairs to my room, not bothering to change into pajama's before curling up graciously on my bed. I slept soundly and without dreams.

The next day was terrible. Not only was I up at six-thirty in the morning and not being able to force myself to sleep anymore, I was ready for the day to be done. With a start I realized I wanted to get to school, and confront the Cullen's about the new information I found, I wanted to get some explanation from a certain blonde-black haired boy. Which is very, very stupid. I shouldn't want to see them-or him-I should want to expose them and get the danger away from everyone.

Yeah, and what person would believe you? Scorned a part of my mind. What surprised me even more was my desire to be with them. To go on adventures and see a world no one knows to exist. Well, humans at least. But even then, that's not completely true. Both Bella and Uncle Vernon know of this well hidden world. I then wondered how much Bella knew, and wanted immediately to storm up to her and demand to understand the reason for hiding such a big secret. But then again, I already knew. Exposing them would mean no more Edward, and that'd kill her more than anything. Did her father know she was engaged to a vampire? I shook the thought away. Who Bella chose to share her secret with was no matter of mine.

Did the boys know? Should I tell them? Something told me that they already knew, and even if they didn't, it wouldn't be my place to say anything. I was so impatient for the day to be done I was staring at the clock, in different clothes than yesterday, for 7 minutes. That's when Sam came in. Out of my peripheral vision, I saw him give me a confused look.

"Natalie, what are you doing?" He asked warily. It was obvious he was worried about the answer.

"Staring at the clock." I stated bluntly, never moving from my spot. I didn't even turn to face him. There was an 1incredulous pause.

"Um...why?" He asked, again cautious, but with more suspicion this time.

"Time needs to move faster." I stated, almost growling it out. He recoiled like I took a hit at him.

"Why?" He asked again, disbelief ringing in his voice.

"It. Just. Does." I growled, crossing my arms and glaring that the clock. Why was it moving so slow?

"Time moves slower when watched." He chided me.

"I'm not moving." I spat stubbornly.

"Are you-"

"Not. Moving."

He blinked and stood awkwardly in the doorway. Finally, he sighed.

"Okay, I'll tell the boys-"

"They're here?!" I cried, ripping my gaze from the round demon on the wall and staring at him. He was trying not to smirk.

"Yeah, they where at the door, but hearing your-" I didn't catch the rest as I tore out of my seat and flung open the door, leaping with all of my strength on the closest retreating back. The victim was Seth, bringing back my mixed feelings of wanting to keep, but let go at the same time. There was a yelp as his steps faltered, and he flung his head back to see who-or what-attacked him. I latched my arms around his neck and-seeing me clearly-his hands hoisted the back of my thighs up around his waist as he straitened. The boys around him looked back, cracking a grin as they saw me. I laid my head on his shoulder, and whined pathetically,

"Seth! Make time go faster!"

He chuckled.

"I may look like God, but that mean I have the same powers."

I smacked his head.

"Way to be modest." He grinned.

"I try."

I rolled my eyes.

"Did you say time needed to move faster?" Jared asked. I nodded.

"Yes. It does."

"...Why?"

"Arg!" I threw my hand up in exasperation, only to realize I was going to fall once I did. I managed to snatch Seth's shoulders by my fingertips and haul myself back into position and wrapped my arms more securely across his collarbone. I whimpered, my heart hammering for a quick second. Okay, that was scary. Seth chuckled, as did most of the boys.

"I won't let you fall." He cooed. "You're safe here." I paused, not saying anything, only lying comfortably on his shoulder.

"So..." Quil picked up. I glanced at him. He grinned. "Any reason to why time needs to speed up?"

"Yes. It needs to be Monday now." I whined again. Paul grunted and crossed his arms.

"You're avoiding the question. Why Monday?" Jacob growled at him, coming to stand between Paul and me. Paul smiled, well; actually it looked like he was trying to bare his teeth. Jacob did the same. Jared took one look at me and stepped between them.

"Enough. Natalie, care to explain?" I cocked my head to the side, confused, before I realized he meant why it needed to be Monday. I shook my head. Paul gave a grunt of impatience. Embry grinned.

"Maybe we can guess!" The boys cheerfully agreed; even Paul let out a smirk.

I pouted.

"No." They snickered, but that didn't dampen their game.

"Okay, well, what happens on Monday?" Quil asked, putting a finger on his chin. Embry snapped.

"School!" He and Quil beamed at each other, obviously proud of themselves. "And what's at school?" He continued.

"People." Jared stated. His eyes narrowed. "Boys." They all turned and looked at me, hostile.

"Okay, what's his name?" Jacob growled.

Fear was present in my eyes; even I knew that, so, I looked away, playing coy.

"I don't know what you're talking about. There's no boy. Whoever said there was a boy? There's no boy." Obviously, it was a tall tale. They all growled and started to pop their knuckles, except for Seth, whose grip on me tightened.

"Okay," Paul snarled, "Do you want him beaten, or whipped?"

Terror made me aggressive. I didn't want any one of my boys near Elijah; who knows what would happen?

"You," I hissed, "will not touch a single hair on his head!"

Jared's eyes sparkled.

"So there is a boy." I whipped my head around to face him.

"No! There isn't a boy!" Technically, Elijah isn't a boy. He's a vampire.

Both Quil and Embry sniggered.

"You seem very unhappy if there's no boy."

"There isn't!"

Jacob remained silent, though I could see he was trembling violently. He glared ahead, like he could see the very guy that we where talking about. He cast me a sideways glance.

"There isn't." I pressed, trying to make my eyes as frantic as possible. His own eyes softened, and a grin crossed his lips. At least he believed me.

"Sure there isn't." Jared mocked.

"There isn't!" my voice rose to a shrill squeal. Desperate to get them distracted I looked around and claimed the first thing I saw. "Oh look! A tree!" That worked. They all looked at me confused, before Seth made his analytical remark.

"We're near a forest, of course there's trees! Retard." He muttered. I gasped over exaggeratedly, moving so I was no loner gripping to him for dear life, but ridding on his back like a horse. I put my hands on my hips.

"You did not just call me a retard."

I saw him grin, and he twisted his neck to look at me.

"Yes, I just did."

I narrowed my eyes and pouted my lips, barely recognizing the playful smirks on everyone else's face.

"Put me down."

"No."

"Yes."

"No.

"Jacob?"

"Seth."

"Damn."

Carefully he slid me off his back, glaring at Jacob defiantly. To make my point clear, but playful, I stuck my tongue out at the young boy and walked behind Jacob. If he could, I bet Jacob would be purring with satisfaction. Seth stuck his hands in his pockets, grumbling harshly under his breath. To make sure he wasn't thinking I preferred Jacob, I took off running towards the forest, the gang gaping at me in alarm. It wasn't even a second before they where following me, but I managed to beat them to the nearest tree. I grabbed it in a hug, gaining very confused looks.

"I have claimed this tree. And this tree will be mine. None of you are allowed to have it."

The looks I got sent me into a frenzy of giggles, but I tried to suppress them. I didn't work. For some reason, I felt as if I had all the energy in the world. Beaming, I skipped out from behind the tree and to the boys, then around them, and finally, I just skipped. With a Cheshire cat grin, I took off running just behind Paul. Of course, the gang followed, but all I really wanted was to burn off some energy. Hearing my name called took away my attention, causing me to fall flat on my face. I groaned. Staying put, I heard a blusterous roar of laughter erupt from behind me. I'm going to have to kill them all later.

Footsteps ended just before me, and a gentle hand touched my shoulder.

"Oh my-Natalie? Are you okay?"

I moved my head a little to the left, catching Brandon in my peripheral. He was bent over me with a worried expression on his face. For a second, I just stared at him. Then...

"BRANDON!!!" His face masked on of sheer horror as I threw myself on top of him. He gasped and laughed as I knocked him to the ground.

"Well, hi to you too!" I snuggled up to his chin, which he pushed on my shoulder to stop, throwing an anxious glance behind me. I snigger.

"They won't do anything to you; I won't let them." I teased. He sighed.

"You're also not in school with me anymore, remember? They've got you there." I stuck my tongue out at him. He smirked playfully.

"Don't stick that out at me; I'll bite it." He threatened. I still kept my tongue out, but when he pretended to lurch and bite at it I sucked it back in. I scuffled away from him and dusted the dirt off of myself, while he did the same. Though Jacob and Paul where giving Brandon hostile looks, Quil and Embry came up and started to talk to him. Jared went too, and even Seth. I smiled and felt relieved that they weren't holding anything against him. I glared at Jacob and Paul, who both seemed very surprised at my unfriendly look.

"At least some people don't have sticks up their ass." I snapped. Jacob gave Brandon a disgruntled look.

"Look, I don't really like him, okay?" He muttered.

"And why not?" I spat back. He glanced again at the happy hoard and back to me, suddenly furious.

"So I don't like the kid, there has to be a reason? Paul doesn't like him either! Neither do most of the guys; the way you act around him makes it seem like you-you want him! You practically threw yourself on the guy! You know what? I don't care anymore. Do what you want." He snarled, stomping away towards his house.

"Fine." I yelled back. "Go be a dick! Whatever." And I whipped back towards my own house, leaving everyone, including Paul, in a world of confusion.

~*xxx*~

I stared at my wall, cuddling with Preston, my fluffy cat, thinking about the day over again. I couldn't understand why Jacob was so mad. We were only friends, Brandon and I, and he's acting like I was stripping for the guy! Neither do most of the guys; the way you act around him makes it seem like you-you want him! You practically threw yourself on the guy! You know what? I don't care anymore. Do what you want. Thinking of what he said twisted a knot in my stomach. I wasn't that bad, was I? I guess I could stand to be less flirty, but really, did I do anything wrong? You practically threw yourself on him! I scrunched my eyes closed as his angered voice repeated over and over again in my head. I am a whore. The lowest of the low. He was right. I couldn't help it as a tear escaped from my eye. I felt miserable. Worse than I have in a long time. Almost as bad as when I lost my mom.

A soft knock broke through my spiraling depression. I didn't say anything, but pressed my knees closer to my chest. The door opened anyway.

"Natalie?"

I eyes shot open and I whipped around, staring at Jacob. He had stepped through the door but didn't come any closer. I saw him bite his lip when I wiped a tear away. I tried to be fierce, but I couldn't muster up the glare.

"Natalie I-I wanted to apologize for what I said earlier. I don't think of you that way, and nobody else in the gang really has a problem with Brandon-or you." He added, noticing my dejected look. He started to rub the back of his neck. "I was just jealous because you seemed so happy to see him, and you don't really do that with any of us." I gave him a small smile, getting off the bed and grabbing him in a hug.

"Are we okay again?" He asked timidly. I could help but laugh.

"Of course. Just don't ever imply I'm a whore again." He stopped and pushed me away from him, alarm in his eyes.

"Did I say that!?" I laughed.

"Only implied." I corrected. He shook his head.

"I could never ever think of you as a whore, okay? Never." I hugged him, rubbing my head in his chest.

"Okay."