Author's Notes: This chapter was pretty hard to write. Before working on this, I was uninspired and was really unimaginative. But after listening to countless of break-up songs, this chapter just popped outta my head! So once I got started on writing this one, I was really on the roll you know, I kept typing and typing. I had to rush this one though, because I wanted to post this up before New Years, so I guess I was able to do it! Yay! Haha. Just to warn you though, Wanda will be facing alot of troubles and problems in this fandom, and it all starts here... you'll probably end up hating me (?!) for writing this, and probably end up hating a certain character too...

By the way, the theme song for this chapter is "Simple Song" by Miley Cyrus. I know lots of people hate Miley, but my iTunes was playing Miley's song, and I just thought it fit this chapter. So make sure to listen to the song while reading! Read and review, please!


"Sometimes, we're forced to bend the truth, transform it,

because we're faced with things that are not of our own making.

And sometimes, these things just simply catch up to us."

- Anonymous


"-Forever Dawn-"

Chapter One: Heartbreaker

By, modernxlove-

"What were you doing out there?" Jared asked directly, eyeing Lori suspiciously, as if she were a Soul. Lori shivered and clung on to Ian tighter. That action made me flinch. Keep your hands away from him!, I thought, trying to keep calm though I knew I was far from it.

"Jared!" Ian complained. "Stop scaring her! She's… afraid. Surely she's been through hell all these years."

Jared sighed, then he looked up to Lori's fearful eyes. "Okay… let's run this again." He said. "What. Were. You. Doing. Out. There?" He said very slowly. Lori looked up at him. "I'm not… stupid.. I can understand you." She said quietly. How harsh, though I've gotta admit, this girl was tough. All of us were staring at her now.

"Um," She continued, "You see… I've been… pretending to be one on of them… over the past years… I got these fake cuts," She pointed to a tiny imperfect line slashed on to the left side of her neck "To make them think I was one of them… I even got fake Silver contact lenses…" She might be talking smart now but I could still feel the fear being carried in her voice.

Kyle nodded. "Yeah, okay… but that still doesn't answer Jared's question. What were you doing out here in the deserts?"

She sat up from her leaning-position (which was next to Ian). "I heard the news about a month ago… people were saying that there have been… disappearances lately. And it always had something to do with the deserts." She muttered. "Rumor was going around saying that there could've been humans here in the desert area, but those damn buggers were too afraid to check it out. I just had to see for myself if humans were still up and alive. Guess I was right." She smiled at Ian, who smiled back at her. I smiled too, to hide what I actually felt. Anger. Hatred. Envy. What else?

Melanie tapped her on the back. "Well, you're with us humans now… so, you'll be alright."

I joined Melanie's attempt to make Lori feel better. "Yeah. We're all in this together, right?"

Lori's eyes tightened and she shoved my hands right then. "D-Don't touch me!" She yelled. "Y-You're one of them! You're a stupid, ugly, bugger! All Souls are!"

I bit my lip. Sure, she could've mocked me all she wanted, I wouldn't be offended. But badmouthing my race? My entire species? I couldn't stand that. I slowly backed away... the tears were going to spill now. Don't cry!, I commanded my body. Don't cry!

Burns took hold of my hand, and so did Mel – that eased the pain. I looked at Ian, who didn't even bother to look at me. He was… busy, comforting that, that evil monster of a human!

"O'Shea!" Jared called, grabbing his attention. Ian turned to face him, and he pointed towards my direction. Ian shrugged and looked at me; his pale blue eyes didn't have the same glow anymore. "I'm sorry, Wanda…" he said. "But please, can you leave us alone for a bit?"

Kyle looked at me, expecting I was going to burst out crying. I didn't. I just sighed, doing my best not to show my tear-drenched eyes. I turned my back on them… it was the only option I could ever pick right now.

-***-

"They're back!" Jamie exclaimed, running towards us as Jared slowly parked the truck in the hideaway, Sunny and Jeb tagging along too.

Jeb laughed, and pulled Jamie back, just in time the truck came to a halt. "Whoa, slow down there lil' kid." He said with a grin. "Ya wouldn't want to be crushed know would'chu?"

Jamie shook his head.

It took us about two and a half days to get back home… raids usually took about a whole week – a month even – but we were on a rush, so I thought two days was pretty good. Jamie ran to me with a hug, almost knocking me off.

"Hey fellow." I said, dryly.

Jamie took notice of my bad mood. Was I in a bad mood? I felt kind of sour though. Every time I were to see Ian and that human girl, Lori, together, my heart would thump as if it were about to escape from my chest and I would feel… angry. That's really strange. Souls never get angry (except for my old Seeker). And what Kyle told me a few days ago wouldn't escape my mind. I would always ponder around thinking about it.

"What's wrong, Wanda?" Jamie asked, concern etched all over his features. "Aren't you glad to be back home?"

I forced a smile. A tiny smile. "Yeah, I'm happy-"

"Hey Mel!" Jamie called out to Melanie, who was approaching us, interrupting my sentence. "Who's that girl Ian's with?" He asked.

I sighed.

Melanie explained everything. "She's Ian's long-time friend." She pointed out. "We found her on the way home… but don't startle her or anything, Jamie. She's still a bit wary, and scared of her surroundings."

Jamie smiled. "Yeah sure!" He raved. "Yay! That means a new friend."

"Perfect," I grumbled.

Lori was accepted by all the humans already, probably except for Sunny who didn't seem to mind her at all. The moment she walked inside the caves, everyone came up to her as if she was some sort of celebrity. They were all curious and asking her questions about how she'd survive the Seekers and she did her best to answer (well, there were times where she took some to the extreme) all of them. Even Jamie and Doc were interested in her. But that wasn't bad at all. It was good Jamie had made a new friend. Also, as a guest at Jeb's place, she too wasn't excused about helping everyone out with the chores. She had to help out just as everyone did. But the thing that bothered me most was the countless times she and Ian spent together. Almost as, if they were partners! Sunny noticed this, but she didn't even bother to go and make me feel better. She practically made it worse.

"Wanda, Wanda, Wanda," She said, as she took a seat beside me, a platter of chicken and meat occupying her hands. "What is that human girl and Ian doing together all the time? I thought you two were partners now." She was talking about Lori, obviously.

I sighed. "We are, Sunny… Ian just misses her, that's why he's spending time with her lots." I reasoned. Sunny didn't seem to fall for this.

"Yeah," she said, sarcastically, telling the world what she actually thought.

"Really," I said, trying to sound convincing. "Me and Ian are still good… I think." I trailed off, hoping she didn't hear the last sentence. She didn't answer. She took a bite off her lunch. I didn't bother eating. I didn't even feel like it. I continued staring out at the tiny cracks of the cave, my thoughts taking over.

That night, Ian and I were inside our room. It wasn't that late in the evening; probably around 8:30 pm, but Jeb had ordered all of us to sleep in earlier than usual, though I had no idea why. I had noticed Ian walking to and from the cabinet grabbing some of his clothes and stuffing them inside a bag, and grabbing a few pillows here and there. It seems as if he was… packing.

"Ian… what are you doing?" I asked, sitting up from the uncomfortable cot. Yeah, I had bought new beds, but they were only for the humans who needed them most.

"Umm, Wanda, I'm… not…" He hesitated to answer.

"What is it?"

"I'm not going to sleep here, with you tonight." He said, not looking me in the eyes.

"Why?" Ian, why?

"I'm going to stay over at Lori's room for a while…" He trailed off. "She's only been here for about a week, and I can tell she's scared. But I promised her today that I'd be with her tonight… so…"

I bit my lip. "O-Okay." I said softly.

"Are you okay with it?" He asked.

"Yes, I'm fine." I tried to smile. Lately, my smiles have been so… fake. "Um, would you please just go to her now? I'm sure Lori's probably frightened now."

Ian shrugged. "Wanda-"

"Ian, please… I'll be fine." I faked a yawn. "See? I'm kind of tired right now, and I just want to sleep…"

He nodded. "Well, goodnight." And he closed the door gently. That's it? That was it?

Ian… Ian…, I sobbed, clutching my blanket tightly. The tears fell down my cheeks and dripped down my fist-clenched hands. Why do I feel this way?? Why?? I questioned these human emotions. They were so powerful. I wasn't injured, I didn't have a single cut or slash on my body. But I was hurt, I was in pain. Not on the outside, on the inside. These emotions are so… powerful. I knew Ian would never love me truly in this body. Maybe if I was more attractive like Lori… maybe then he would love me.

I fell asleep after hours of crying. But even though I was asleep, I could feel the tears dripping down, like they were never going to end. But it's only in my dreams where I can't feel pain… and so I drifted along the pathway of my dreaming mind…

"Hey, Wanda! Wanda! Wake up!" I heard the persistent tugging of my shirt and voice, and it drew me awake. I opened my eyes to see Jamie and Melanie up and dressed.

"Wanda! C'mon! Get up!" Jamie demanded.

I did what he ordered. I rubbed my eyes slowly; I had a feeling I looked terrible – I had spent the whole night crying and crying.

"Wanda? Are you alright?" Melanie asked, looking worried. She's always worried, Melanie, my sister. "You look… off today."

I didn't respond. But she knew exactly what I was thinking about. She can always read my mind.

"It's Ian, right?" She said. I told you she can read my mind.

I nodded.

"What happened?"

"Well… Ian left me last night, to go sleep with Lori…"

Melanie giggled.

"What's so funny?" I asked.

"Well," She started, "you're upset because of that?"

I nodded.

She giggled again. "Oh, Wanda! You're just jealous!"

"Jealous?" I repeated.

"Yeah, you're upset because Ian would rather spend time with Lori, rather than with you. C'mon, admit it, you want him all to yourself! Am I right?" She grinned.

Jealous? Was that all I felt? Maybe there was more to it…

"Well, am I right?" Melanie pushed.

I smiled. "Yeah."

"Mel! Stop talking about lovey-dovey stuff and boys!" Jamie complained. "Wanda doesn't like that! Right, Wanda?" He smiled, a big happy smile in my direction, and I smiled back. "Anyways, Wanda, you better get up and eat breakfast before everyone else finishes it!"

I nodded. "Sure thing, Jamie."

That morning, everything had gone the way it usually did. Chores from afternoon till sunset and maybe Jeb would host up another game of soccer over in the game room. I was excused with this time's chores though, I had done my help gardening and doing the laundries yesterday, so I've got the entire afternoon all to myself. As I was about to go to my room, Jeb had approached me with a new soccer ball.

"Give it to Ian please." He said, handing me the ball.

I took it. "What for?" I asked.

"Another round of soccer." He answered. "He said he was going to play a game with Lori."

I gasped. Him and Lori? Again? What's going on?! Why are they always together?!, I asked myself. Doesn't he care about me anymore? Doesn't he?

Jeb looked at me, concern etched on his face. "Hey, you okay there Wanda?"

I forced a smile. "Yeah, I'm okay… I'm going to head over to the game room and give this to Ian."

He nodded. "Okay… whatever you say. By the way," I stopped walking. "Are you and Ian okay? He seems to be… a little, attached to that Lori-girl… Not jealous, are you?"

I sighed. "Don't worry, Jeb. We're fine. Really." Was it the truth? It hell wasn't! I wrist-walked to the game room, trying every means to find a way, or rather, trying to tell myself that everything was alright with Ian. Clearly, it wasn't. I was halfway in the tunnel, connecting the game room to the main caves. I stopped when I heard Jared's voice.

"… it's not fair to her, O'Shea." Jared said.

I could hear Ian shrug. "It's not like that, Howe-"

"Yeah?!" Jared interrupted, his voice was a growl. "Do you think this is fair to Wanda?"

"I don't think that's the case…"

Jared sighed. "I thought you loved her, O'Shea."

"I do, but… Lori… I…" He took a deep breath. "I… guess I love her too… I'm still in love with Lori, Jared…" He hesitated to answer. "I haven't seen her for six years… I cannot deny the fact that she's alive, right here, and that I am still in love with her! Do you understand me?!" This time, he was practically yelling.

I trembled. Slowly stepping back. No, no, I thought. My heart was thumping fast. No, no, no… Ian… was this him? No, no, no… He would never say something like that. Never…

Smack! I heard a force push down the rocky caves. Did Jared punch Ian? Or was it the other way around? I didn't care. Not anymore.

"You're unbelievable, O'Shea." Jared said. I could tell he was smirking. "I am sick of you."

I felt sick too. I wiped my tears, hoping it wasn't evident on my face that I had just cried, and that my heart had just been broken and torn in half. I stepped into the game room, Jared and Ian were stunned to see me there.

"Wanda…" Ian blinked.

I tried my best to smile. "Jeb said you were going to play soccer. I got you the ball." I said, handing it to Jared.

"Um, thanks, Wanda." He said, dryly. "Thank you."

Just smile. Keep smiling, I told myself. And I did.

"Hey! Is the ball there now?" I heard Jamie yell. He ran to us, to me, along with Lori, Melanie, Lily, Andy and Nate. Burns wasn't here; I took a quick glance at Lori and understood why.

"Hey Wanda, play soccer with us!" Jamie begged, already on my heels. "You never play with us… I want you to play!" He insisted.

I smiled stiffly. "Um, well sure-"

"No," Lori interrupted. "No it can't play with us, Jamie."

Jamie frowned, so did I. "Why not?" he demanded.

Lori swallowed. "Because… because she's one of them! Don't let it tell you lies, kid!"

I bit my lip. Oh, she'd gone too far. I grabbed her arm, "Why do you hate me so much?!" I demanded angrily, as if all the emotions I've been feeling were swelling up me, though I know my expression would've suit Melanie more than it did me. She jerked her hand away from me, disgusted.

"Stay away from me!" She screamed, already shoving me. Everyone stared in silence. "Just keep your distance!"

Jamie pushed Lori out of the way and clung to me, sobbing. "Don't treat Wanda like that! She's a good person!"

Lori frowned. "Sh- It's not a person, Jamie! It's an alien, you hear me?!" She sounded hysterical already. "It's the one responsible for taking away everyone we love!"

"If you can't accept her, you're not my friend!" Jamie hissed. "Wanda's my sister!" He sobbed and cried harder. I hugged him tightly. "It's okay, Jamie…" I promised, tears already swelling up my eyes too. Melanie approached us and turned to Lori with a furious expression.

"Mess up with my family," She said, "And you'll be six meters below the ground, dead."

Lori gasped and ran towards Ian, who was frozen in shock. "Ian!" She called out, wrapping her arms around him, towing him out of the game room. What took me by surprise was that Ian didn't pull away. I didn't want to look at them anymore… but even after overhearing his conversation with Jared earlier, I still couldn't bring myself to hate Ian. I can't unlove him. I can't… but why wasn't he hear at my side protecting me? Why?

Supper was awkward. After what had happened in the game room, I guess I couldn't blame the people. So for dinner the menu was toasted ham and cheese sand which. I ate my share of dinner slowly, chewing every bite at least seven times. Melanie, Jared, Doc, and Jamie sat with me, though they knew nothing they can do would help me.

"Ian's… not here…" I said sighing.

Melanie groaned. "Oh, c'mon, Wanda! That man is so… ugh! And so is that Lori girl." She complained.

Jamie patted me on the back. "I'm sorry Wanda…" He apologized.

Ian's POV

Why wasn't I there for her? Why am I stuck here with Lori?, I asked myself. I love Lori, but, I love Wanda, too. But I can't stand watching Wanda's feelings getting hurt out there, and I don't want to hurt Lori too! This insanity's driving me crazy!! Why, why does this have to happen?

Lori approached my bedside and handed me a plate of food.

"Eat." She commanded.

"We're not going to the kitchen? Jeb says we should always eat in the kitchen-"

"Who cares about Jeb!" She interrupted, not hiding the patience in her voice. "Look, Ian, I want to ask you something and you better answer it!" She yelled.

I was startled. "O-Okay…"

"Are you in love with that alien bitch?"

That's it, I thought. "That's it!" I yelled. "Stop talking about her like that! You don't know anything about Wanda! She's trying hard to be your friend, why don't you just get over the things that happened in the past and accept her?!"

Lori gasped, taken aback by my sudden anger.

I sighed. "I'm sorry, Lori… but, I really don't know what I'm feeling right now."

Lori stood up and sat behind me, wrapping her hands down my waist and leaning her head on my back. "Ian…" She said. "Ian, look, if you love that alien-girl, it's just gonna make things worst."

"Worst how?" I asked.

"It's her fault this invasion thing happened in the first place! It's her fault we've lost everyone we cared about!"

I shook my head in disagreement. "No, Lori, she's not like that. She's not like the others! Wanda's different! She's good!" I reasoned. "And I… I…"

Lori put her finger over my mouth and shushed me. She leaned closer, and closer. "Ian," She whispered, "I love you… doesn't that matter?" She put her mouth over mine, and kissed it, making me lose control of everything. Her tongue swirled to mine and it made my heart thud.

"I want to spend my life with you, Ian." She said in a whisper, her arms wrapped around my neck.

Wanda's POV

Dinnertime passed by slowly and quietly, and after we had finished all of the food in our plate, we had to put them back in the sink. Lori and Ian came back after, I guess to put their dishes in the sink. Lori came up to me with hatred evident in her hazel green eyes. She frowned at me.

"What?" I asked dryly.

"Don't you dare steal my boyfriend." She said in a threatening voice.

"Boyfriend?" I blinked. I was confused.

"Oh, don't play dumb with me!" She yelled. Ian walked towards us and stood beside her. He looked sad. "I'm talking about Ian!"

I gasped. "Ian? Ian?!" I demanded. "Ian's my partner! He was even before I was inserted into this body!" I was shouting already, and everyone was staring at us. I didn't care. I was angry, really angry at Lori. And I didn't want to waste my time, but I had to do this.

Lori smirked. "Says who?"

I bit my lip. "Says me! Ask Ian! Right, Ian?" I looked at him, demanding an explanation, but he was looking at her.

"Is it true, Ian?" Lori asked him sarcastically. "Is it true this alien is your girlfriend and partner?" Her voice was purposely elevated to make everyone hear it.

I knew Ian would tell the truth. We were partners, right? At least that's what I believed. I had faith in Ian. "Ian, tell her." I said.

Ian shook his head. "No, Wanda. We were never partners." He whispered.

I froze.

Lori giggled. "What was that, Ian? Say it louder, sweetie, I didn't hear you."

"NO, WANDA!" He yelled forcefully. "WE AREN'T PARTNERS!!"

I trembled. No, I was practically shaking. My heart was beating faster and faster. The tears were streaming down my silver-grey eyes, I could tell, because they were dripping down the cavy floors. I closed my eyes and faced down, forcing more tears to come down and to trickle down my cheeks. "Is… this true, Ian? You don't love me?" I asked.

Ian shook his head. "No, I don't. And I never did…" He said, smiling. Forced smile, I knew it. "Honestly, Wanda. I never did love you. I only said it because I thought it was the right thing to say. I thought it was the best way to comfort you while you were here. But honestly…" He looked at me, the sparkle and love in his sapphire-blue eyes completely gone. "I'm tired of faking my feelings. I'm tired of loving you. Because the one I truly love isn't you. It's Lori."

"Okay," I said, more tears flowing down. I quickly wiped them off and smiled. It wasn't a force smile, I think. "Thanks for being honest. Thank you."

I didn't know which one of us was lying. But I couldn't take it anymore, and I didn't care if I couldn't tell. I ran. I ran passed everyone, as if I was running for my life. Because it felt like my life just ended. Melanie was wrong. It didn't feel like jealousy. It didn't feel like jealousy at all. What I felt was betrayal. And I would've never thought the one man whom I loved, the one man who I would stay in a planet for, would be the one to do it; would be the one to lie to me and would be the one to break me.