Hello! I hope everyone had a Happy Easter! I am so very sorry for such a late update. It took me a while to write this. I keep getting distracted and I was having a hard time concentrating. There are so many ideas blooming in my mind and it's hard writing one story when you have tons of others making their presense known. I hope I could get back on track but it seems that's not happening. No need to worry, this story still holds true and I will not be giving up on it, but it may be a long process, so bare with me. Also, I want Angela to be a main part of this story. Do you think I should let her know about the supernatural and be associated with it in some way, or should I keep her in the dark and just be the supporting best friend that she is? I wanted all of your opinions before I did anything with that because I didn't want any issues. Either way, Angela is going to be apart of the story. Anyways, I won't keep you any longer and I hope you enjoy this chapter cause it's a long one, which I hope makes up for lost time. Make sure to review!

Strange Occurances

My heart felt like it was beating a hundred miles an hour. My palms felt very sweaty and I had to rub them off of my jeans a few times. My hands were clenched in fists while my legs shook violently under the table.

I desperately wanted to run out of the resteraunt to find Bella. I could have, but for some reason something inside of me was telling me not to.

Did she get lost? Is she okay? Did something happen to her? Was she kidnapped? Is she dead? These thoughts swam through my mind repeatedly. Images of all the possible outcomes entered my mind. I felt tears brim my eyes, but I held them back.

I should have told her not to go alone.

I should have followed her, no matter how much she told me not to.

I should have-

My thoughts were interupted as I felt something touch my hand and I flinched away. I looked to see Angela's concerned gaze on me.

"Kita, what's wrong? You barely touched any of you food." Angela said in a soft tone.

I closed my eyes and took steady breaths. I don't know what's going on with me. Yeah, I should feel worried, but I usually don't act like this. Something is definately wrong with me.

"Kita?" I heard Angela's soft, worried voice. I feel bad making her worry like this.

I open my eyes, trying to calm down.

"I-" My voice seem to not want to work. Angela looked like she wanted to help, but didn't know how to approach it.

Her eyes held understanding and she nodded, indicating her patience. I took in a deep breath. This is why Angela's my best friend. She's very easy to talk to and has a very calming aura around her.

My nerves were calming down a bit to where I could speak. "I am scared. What if something terrible happened to her?" I breathed out in a slight whisper.

"I know, me too." Angela's voice saddened. "I bet she just got lost and she'll be here any minute. We will go looking for her if she doesn't show up. But first, you need to eat. No need to starve."

My stomach growled after she said that. I hesitantly nodded and took a small bite of my sandwhich. Angela smiled at me and continued eating.

I hope she was right.

xXxXxXx

Bella still hasn't shown up. We finished our food and were outside getting ready to leave. Why wasn't she here yet?

My nerves spiked up again and I started pacing around. The slight breeze of the wind blew on my face. I closed my eyes and took in a deep breath, trying to calm down. I was still pacing when I felt someone next to me, their hand on my shoulder. I stopped pacing and looked at Angela.

I knew what she was going to say and spoke before she did, "I'm fine. Let's just go."

Her face fell and she nodded.

We started walking away from the resteraunt when I heard our names being called. I looked over to see Bella waving at us. My eyes widened and relief flooded my body.

On instinct, I ran over towards her and gave her a bone crushing hug.

"You had me worried!" I told her when we seperated. "Where were you? What happened? Are you okay?" I bombarded her and she seemed uncomfortable but happy at the same time.

"I'm okay, Niko. I wa-" Jessica and Angela caught up, hesitating a few feet away. "Where have you been?" Jessica interupted, suspicion laced her voice.

Is there something I missed? My mind was in a heap of confusion.

"I got lost,"Bella admitted sheepishly. "And then I ran into Edward." She gestured to him. I looked over and there he was. Confusion wiped away from my face and was replaced with shock. I hadn't seen him. I guess I was too relieved to see Bella that I wasn't paying enough attention to notice him.

The next thing to happen made my jaw drop.

"Would it be all right if I joined you?" He asked, making me speechless.

Is he serious? What happened that made him want to hang out with us...more specifically, Bella? I thought.

Edward looked toward me, an unreadable expression on his face.

Did I say that out loud? I asked myself. I looked around and no one else seemed to hear me. I looked back at Edward and he wasn't looking at me anymore. I must be going crazy.

"Er...sure." Jessica breathed.

"Um, actually, Bella, we already ate while we were waiting - sorry." Angela confessed.

"That's fine - I'm not hungry." Bella shrugged.

"I think you should eat something." I heard Edward say, his voice low and full of authority. I may not like him, but I do agree with him. He looked up at us and spoke slightly louder. "Do you mind if I drive Bella home tonight? That way you won't have to wait while she eats."

"Uh, no problem, I guess..." Jessica bit her lip. I saw Bella wink at her.

Oh? Did something happen to them two that I should know? I asked myself. I saw Edward's gaze on me, the same unreadable expression on his face. My eyebrows knitted together in confusion.

What? I said in my mind. The expression that made it's way on his face made me wonder. Could he hear me?

Can you hear me? I asked him through my mind. He quickly looked away. I am definately going to catch him in school and question him.

I was quickly brought back to reality as Angela grabbed my hand and started pulling me toward the car.

"See ya, Bella!" I yelled to her when I realized what was going on.

See ya, Eddy-boy! I said in my head and I saw his head snap to me. A smile plastered on my face. Oh, yeah. He can definately hear me.

To be honest, to know someone is like me, or may be, with a strange power of sorts, makes me ecstatic. I'm not alone.

xXxXxXx

The smile stayed plastered on my face the entire ride home and Angela kept giving me strange looks. I told her I was just happy to know Bella was okay, but I don't think she completely believed me.

Jessica dropped me off first and I waved them goodbye as they drove off. I walked inside to find Charlie, sitting on the couch, watching a baseball game.

"Bella? Nikita?" I heard him ask.

"Just me." I said as I stepped into the room.

"Well, you're home early. Where's Bella?" Charlie asked as I sat down next to him.

"Oh - er...she's still with Jess and Ang." I lied. He just nodded and continued watching the game. I sat there watching with him.

"This kid...er, Embry, came asking for you." Charlie said.

"Embry?" I asked, a little flustered.

"Yeah, he said you dropped something on the beach and he wanted to return it. Told him you weren't here. He gave me this and told me to give it back to you." Charlie handed me something and I grabbed it. My heart stuttered as I saw what it was; my mother's charm. I instantly reached up and felt nothing on my chain. It must have fell off of my necklace. How haven't I noticed?

Charlie turned back to watching the game. I sat there, thinking about Embry. It was really sweet of him to bring this back. I have to thank him in person when I get the chance.

After a while, I decided to head upstairs. I took a shower and relished in the warmth. I shortly got out and headed to my room. I dried off and got dressed in a pair of sweats and a t-shirt. I looked in the mirror and my eyes landed on the necklace. I couldn't stop thinking about him. Why? I barely know him. Or so I think. For some reason, I have this feeling like I knew him, but I don't remember him. Any memory that I may have known him, weren't there.

I plopped on my bed and just sat there, staring at the ceiling.

My mind was in a haze trying to find some kind of memory of Embry, but none came.

I heard the front door open. Bella must be home. I heard voices but couldn't make out what they were saying.

My arm was over my eyes and I let out a long breath.

My mind drifted to Edward. He's just like me, that I believe. Not exactly like me, but you get the drift. I have a power, he has a power. It's very exciting. I still don't like him, but I could learn to tolerate him. It's not everyday you meet someone who holds a secret like that.

I heard running water, indicating Bella had got in the shower. I decided to turn off my light and go to sleep.

For a while, I was tossing and turning. I was having a hard time falling asleep. My mind keeps going all over the place.

Eventually, I drifted off into a deep slumber.

xXxXxXx

I barely got any sleep last night. I constantly woke up out of no where and it took a while to go back to sleep. I also have been getting nightmares about these pale, inhuman people. Every night it's the same thing, sometimes different. I would always wake up after they lunge at me. It's always the same two people as well. A boy and a girl, but mostly, it's always the boy. I don't know who they are, but they keep showing up and chasing me. I would be lucky enough if I didn't dream about them for a week.

There was one dream without them though. It was about a little boy. I don't know his name, but I feel like I know him. It happened the day after we went to the beach in La Push.

This sucks. I wish I could get my memories back. I only have a select few of my parents and my childhood, but after the incident, my memories have faded away. I could only remember everything after the hospital and a few before.

Shaking these thoughts away, I got out of bed.

I slowly got ready for school. I saw myself in the mirror and my eyes look dead, my posture looks terrible. I walked around like a slug.

It was foggy and dark outside. Perfect. The weather was imitating my mood; foggy and dark.

It's weird how you could go from being happy and excited to down right depressed and tired. But I am not letting my mood get in the way of interrogating Edward. I need to know if he is like me. I need to know if I am not alone.

I slowly walked down the stairs and into the kitchen. I saw Bella scarfing down a granola bar, then chase it down with milk...from the carton.

"Geez, Bella, what's gotten into you?" I said, groggily but humorous. She jumped and turned to see me.

"God, Nikita, you scared me!" she said with a slight smile. I chuckled lowly and apologized. She seemed to notice my state and said, "Are you okay? You look sick."

I saw the concern glaze her eyes. I gave her a soft smile. "I'm fine. Just tired is all." I slightly lied. I am tired, but that's not all I am worried about.

She nodded but it looks like she is going to talk to me when we get home.

"Well, we're going to be late so we should go." Bella said as she headed towards the door. I followed right behind.

It was actually really foggy outside that the air was almost smoky with it. The mist was ice cold and I gave a slight shiver. The fog was very thick I hadn't noticed a certain silver Volvo parked in the driveway. Bella seemed to be not expecting him.

I saw he was pulling the door open for her, his eyes flickered to me for a split second.

I don't know if you could hear me, but if you can, just know that I am very observant. Bella likes you and if you hurt her feelings, you better be long gone before I find out. I semi-threatened. He looked at me from the corner of his eyes, which held amusement and curiosity. He also softened his gaze when I mentioned Bella. He definately hears me. But, I wonder why he only seems to react when I specifically speak to him. Weird. I am still interrogating him. I really want to speak to him. I want to talk about how he can hear me through my mind. How it works. You know, see if he hears everything I say.

"Do you want to ride with me today?" he asked Bella, amused by her expression. There was also uncertainty in his voice.

"Yes, thank you." Bella said calmly. She looked to me and I spoke before she did, "Just hand me the keys."

She smiles and hands me her keys to the truck. I hop in the driver's side and start up the truck. I do have my license, so I don't need to worry about that. But, since this is Bella's truck, I never really drove it before.

I waited until the silver car was out of sight and left the driveway. I drove through the foggy streets carefully as not to cause an accident. Tired plus fog equals bad driving; but I am a good driver, so I should be fine.

I felt eyes on me the entire ride.

xXxXxXx

I made it to school safely; however, I was late. Most of the kids were already in their classes, some were skipping and loitering around the bathrooms. I slugishly made it to art class.

Angela waved to me and I gave her a small smile as I sat next to her.

"Hey, why are you late? And why do you look like zombie that wants to eat my brains?" she asked, jokingly but concerned.

"I couldn't sleep very well last night. I guess I ended up sleeping through my alarm. Nothing really major." I put my elbow on the table and leaned my head against my hand, letting out a soft sigh.

Angela seemed to accept my answer and returned to her work.

Chemistry seemed to go by agonizingly slow and I almost fell asleep during the lecture.

During Trig, Jess and Bella were talking about Edward, but I wasn't really paying attention to really know what they were saying.

When the bell rang for lunch I saw Bella looked relieved as she jumped out of her seat. Still the slug that I am, I followed behind her and Jess. I heard Bella wasn't going to sit with us again. I remember when she left us to sit with Edward all the way over by a vacated table. I tackled her with questions when we got home, but she never gave me an answer.

Edward was standing there, waiting for Bella I presume, and I saw Bella gawking. I mean, Edward isn't that bad looking, but he isn't really my type. Trust me, some of the guys in this school are attractive, but none of them are what I am looking for. None of them gave me the "butterflies in my stomach" feeling; or my heart stuttering at the sight of them; or the slight shiver when they accidentally brush against you. I guess that's why I am single and never had a boyfriend, ever. I'm a very picky person.

Bella. I heard Edwards voice and my gaze moved to him. Am I hallucinating? Did i just hear Edward say Bella's name. He sounded as if the name gave him air to breath; like he can't live without it.

Please tell me you just said that outloud or I am about to freak out. I said in my head. I saw his eyes flicker to me for a split second before they landed back on Bella. I didn't recieve an answer. Maybe I just imagined it; or he actually said it outloud and I am just being paranoid.

We need to talk, later. I told him and he nodded in acceptance, but I only seemed to notice.

Jess and I departed, heading to the cafeteria. The thought of what just happened still toggled in my mind.

(AN: Sorry to put this here, but I need to clear something up. In the beginning of the story I had Nikita have PE before lunch, but that was a mistake on my part. Just reverse it and make lunch before PE. That's all I needed to say.)

"See you later, Bella." Jess said, her voice thick with implications.

I don't say anything as we continue walking to lunch.

I kind of felt a bit better after I ate lunch. I was still a little slugish, but not as bad as before. I saw that Bella and Edward sat at the same spot as last time. I wonder what they are talking about. Did he ever talk to her about his...mind reading? Or is it a hidden secret like mine?

To be honest, I always wanted to tell Bella about what I can do, but I never came around to it. It just wasn't the right time yet. I do want to tell her, though. I hope she doesn't think I am a freak; although, if Edward told her about his powers, she may not. I also, one day, want to tell Angela, too. I hope when the time comes that she won't reject me.

I looked at Angela as I thought about that. She's my best friend, aside from Bella, and I wouldn't want to ruin that. She's an amazing person and friend. it would break my heart if either of them would reject me and abandon me. I would be an outcast; all by myself. I can't stand the thought of being alone. It's a huge fear that I have. Just thinking about that makes me not want to tell them.

I internally groan to myself. Why am I being so paranoid?

I continue through the day as usual. Surprisingly, I was able to keep up with the rest of my classes. I couldn't speak to Edward in PE because, you know, too many people around; I'll just have to get him outside, alone.

xXxXxXx

I wasn't able to talk to Edward, which really bummed me out. I was really looking forward to it.

I was home before Bella; she was riding with Edward again.

My mind instantly went to painting. I haven't done it since my last creation of the heart. I headed to my room, grabbing all of my art supplies and hanging up the easel. I let my hands to their job and just went with the flow.

After I finished the painting, I gave it a once over. To my dismay, it was a pair of crimson eyes. I blinked a few times, but they were still there. Why did I paint this? It was the same pair of eyes that gave me nightmares. What was with them?

I hid the painting in my closet and decided to take a relaxing shower, hoping it would sooth my thoughts. The water felt nice and all thoughts about today were pushed away.

I heard Bella enter the house shortly after I got out.

The rest of the day went by and I was very tired. I headed to bed and in an instant, I was out like light.

xXxXxXx

Feet scurried through the thick trees. Loud breathing could be heard as if someone was out of breath, but kept strong.

Whoos. Wind blew by the girl and she shot her head around frantically in search of the creature.

Whoos. More wind.

The girl stumbled and fell to the ground.

A figure appeared several feet in front of her. A man. His crimson eyes scanned her hungrily and she pushed herself up, dashing in another sprint.

She didn't get far before the man grabbed a hold of her hair, pulling her back. He threw her up against a tree and she squirmed to get out of his grasp. She failed.

He laughed dementedly at her futile attempt.

She sobbed and that made him laugh even more.

"Don't worry, child. It won't hurt - much." he laughed even more maliciously. She begged him to stop, but he sank his teeth in her neck.

A peircing scream echoed through the woods.

I jolted out of bed, thrashing and screaming. I heard someone burst through the door, but didn't know who. I felt arms encase me and someone petting my hair as they spoke softly to me.

"It's okay, Niko. It's okay." Bella's voice cooed. Charlie came scrambling in, asking what happened.

"Another nightmare, I suppose." Bella said. Charlie came over and asked if I was okay. I nodded in response. My throat felt dry and I don't think my voice could handle speaking.

I felt bad doing this to Bella and Charlie. They always came to my aid ever since I started having these nightmares.

"Come on, Niko. Let's get you something to drink for that throat. I bet it's sore from all that screaming." Bella guided me to the bathroom. As soon as I stood up, however, I felt dizzy and fell back down, but Bella caught me.

"I'll just bring it to you." she suggested.

I sat back down. I closed my eyes and took several deep breaths. I felt nausea corse through my stomach. My eyes snapped open and I ran to the bathroom, letting everything loose in the toilet. Bella already returned with a bottled water and helped me hold my hair back. My mouth tasted really bad and I had to brush my teeth. I took a swig of water.

"I think you should stay home, Nikita. You should get some rest." Charlie said, concerned. I agreed with him and stayed home.

I couldn't fall back asleep, though. After those nightmares, it was really hard to get back to sleep. So, instead, I just laid there and listened to music. It was soothing.

The rest of the day went by very slow. Sometimes I would draw in a sketch pad I got a while back, or I would sit there, coming up with random things to do. I was bored to death; it's not fun being sick.

Earlier, before school, Bella was able to make me chicken noodle soup. There was leftovers that I ate here and there when I got hungry. I started feeling better after a while, although I had a minor headache, but other than that, I was fine.

It started pouring rain outside at some point. I contently listened to the rain drops and watched as they trickled down my window.

I heard the front door open and familiar voices rang through the house.

I got up and headed downstairs to see Charlie, Bella, Jacob, and Billy.

"-Jacob was anxious to see Bella again." Billy was saying as I entered. Jacob scowled and ducked his head.

"Niko, it's lovely to see you." Billy looked at me with a smile, which I returned. "Hey, Billy. Nice to see you rolling around these parts." I joked. He laughed.

Jacob shook his head. "That was cheesy." he said with a grin. I know, I know, that was cheesy, but I am very cheesy with jokes, bite me. "Your grin is cheesy." I shot back. He just laughed and I hit his arm playfully.

"Are you hungry?" Bella asked them, turning towards the kitchen. She looked like she wanted to escape. But, from what?

"Naw, we ate just before we came." Jacob answered.

"How about you, Charlie and Nikita?" Bella called over her shoulder as she fled around the corner.

"Sure." Charlie replied.

"No, I had some of the chicken noodle soup before you got here. By the way, Bella, you are an amazing cook." I complimented her. She thanked me and I could tell she was blushing.

I sat in the living room with Charlie and Billy, watching the game, as Jacob went in the kitchen with Bella.

Soon, Bella came in with Charlie's food and sat down with Jacob. Jacob was sitting there, talking to Bella, but she seemed to not really be paying attention. I engaged in his conversation and I learned we both have some things in common; we both like cars, we both love to hike, and we both have a love of making fun of cheesy movies. I think we may have increased our acquaintance bond to a new found friendship. I never really talked to him much before, but now it's constant chatter. I guess I was loosening up a little; I use to be anti-social in public and never really made any friends. Now, I have a few of them; Angela, Jess, Mike, Tyler, Eric, and now Jacob. It's weird how things change so fast.

Later, Billy and Jacob were getting ready to leave.

"Are you and your friends coming back to the beach soon?" Jacob asked as he pushed his father over the lip of the threshold.

"I'm not sure." Bella hedged.

"I definately am." I added. Jacob nodded in acknowledgement.

"That was fun, Charlie." Billy said.

"Come up for the next game." Charlie encouraged.

"Sure, sure," Billy said. "We'll be here. Have a good night." His eyes shifted to Bella, his smile disappearing. Huh, weird. "You take care, Bella." he added seriously.

"Thanks." she muttered, looking away.

Bella headed for the stairs while Charlie waved from the doorway. I stood next to Charlie.

"Wait, Bella." Charlie said.

I saw Bella cringe and I wonder why. Is she hiding something? Or is she being very anti-social?

Charlie was still grinning, probably from the surprise visit from Billy and Jacob. It was nice having them over; it really livened up the place.

"I didn't get a chance to talk to you tonight. How was your day?"

"Good." she said, hesitantly, one foot on the first stair. "My badminton team won all four games."

"Wow, I didn't know you could play badminton." Charlie seemed genuinely shocked. I for a fact knew she couldn't play; I've seen proof.

"Well, I wouldn't say she could. I've seen her play, and trust me, you don't want to be in the vicinity when she does; it will end with a racket to the head." I chuckled, telling a true story. Bella blushed, but laughed slightly at the memory. We were like, maybe 14 or 15 when it happened. I happened to convince Bella to play with me one time and I regreted it as soon as we started. Fun times.

"Nikita's right, I can't play, but my partner is really good." she admitted.

"Who is it?" Charlie asked with token interest.

"Um...Mike Newton." she told him, reluctantance in her voice.

"Oh yeah - you said you were friends with the Newton kid." He perked up. "Nice family." He mused for a minute. "Why don't you ask him to the dance this weekend?" I snorted at that.

"Dad!" Bella groaned. "He's kind of dating my friend Jessica. Besides, you know I can't dance."

"Definately." I chirped in amused at their daughter-father connection. It also made me a little upset. Why does every little thing have to remind me of my deceased parents?

"Oh yeah." he muttered. Then he smiled at her apologetically. "So I guess it's good you'll be gone Saturday...I've made plans to go fishing with the guys from the station. The weather's supposed to be real warm. But if you wanted to put your trip off till someone could go with you, I'd stay home. I know I leave you and Nikita here alone too much."

Charlie knows I have plans Saturday as well; I told him a few days ago. I was going to head down to La Push for the day; it will give me a chance to thank Embry. Thinking about that made me flush a little. I still get that feeling like a know him, but I can't put a finger on it. It frustrates me when I can't remember something.

"Dad, you're doing a great job." Bella smiled, but I most definately saw relief flood her eyes. "Plus, Nikita is here all the time and I've never minded being alone - I'm too much like you." She winked at him, and he smiled at her.

I voiced my agreement and he smiled even more.

I headed upstairs after Bella and went to bed.

That night, I seemed to be able to sleep without that nightmare popping up. I felt content and happy.