Nessie

The car ride home from school is particularly awkward. My little secret is not secret long. Even if Austin hadn't spilled to a few friends, Dad would have heard it in Austin's mind. Therefore, I am stuck in a tiny space with my fuming father and far too calm mother. On top of that, Jake probably knows too. I don't know if I will ever recover from the embarrassment of tonight when I have to sit down with my family and explain this all to them.

I'm not even sure I want to date Austin. Something in me feels a little wrong going out with him. It's like some part of my conscience is screaming at me to avoid the situation. But there is a whole other part of me that just wants to be normal. What's more normal than a boyfriend?

I wonder if Austin would still be interested in me if he knew that I am seven. I know the answer to that. He would be really freaked out. Of course, he probably wouldn't believe me. I sure as hell wouldn't if I were a normal human. The again, who knows what kind of human I would be?

"You'd be just like your mother," Dad answers without looking back. Inwardly I curse at his intrusion. It isn't fair that I never get privacy. "Sorry. I will try to stay out," he adds at my response.

"There you go, Renesmee," Mom says. She must have put up her shield. "Your thoughts are yours."

"Thanks," I grunt. This family is so weird. We pull into the garage and I leap from the car as fast as I can. I need to regroup in my room. As soon as I enter the house though I see that there will be no regrouping. The whole family stands awkwardly waiting. Aunt Rosalie and Aunt Alice smile at me in this strange childish way. Uncle Emmett and Jasper look just like Dad did the whole way home. Contrasting everyone drastically is Grandma and Grandpa. They are beaming with pride.

Oh God. This is awful. Mom and Dad step in behind me; thus, I am trapped. "Hey guys," I utter under my breath. "How 'bout those gas prices?" My joke evidently wasn't very funny. No one laughs. "Alright, fine," I say now fervent. "I was asked on a date today, but you all know that already. Can I go?"

Everyone's eyes fall on Dad as he fights himself for an answer. The tension builds with each silent second. It isn't until I breathe out that I realize I have been holding my breath at all. "Renesmee, you are so young," Dad finally says. He pauses dramatically before adding, "But I think you can handle this. You may go as long as Austin comes to the door and introduces himself to your mother and me."

I am literally stunned silent for a second. Did he really just give me permission? "Thank you Daddy!" I leap into his arms and squeeze as tight as I can. He chuckles in my ear and sets me back on my feet.

"There's one catch. You have to tell Jacob."

I don't know why, but immediately I feel sick. Why does this seem like such an awful thing? Jacob will be happy for me. At least I hope so.