Okey-dokey guys! I figured it's Saturday, I have time, so why not be a good person and upload another chapter? Hope you guys enjoy, and like always, don't hesitate to comment! I adore reading them!

Happy reading!

I do not own any of these characters, Stephanie does. But I wouldn't mind owning Jacob Black... hmm.

"You have every right to a beautiful life." -Selena Gomez, Who Says

Ch.3 Favorite Place

I awoke the next morning to the sound of children laughter and cartoon television shows. I stared up at the popcorn ceiling, waiting for the painful pounding in my head to stop. Those kids out there were my cousins. And believe me, if Aunt Emily expected me to be their babysitter, she had another thing coming.

I eventually accepted my unavoidable fate of being harassed by the little monsters, whether I liked it or not, and uncovered the comforter from the bed. I grabbed a pair of jeans, a blouse, and all my toiletries, and stealthily slipped into the bathroom across the hall, going undetected by the kids ears and eyes. I looked at myself in the mirror, somewhat horrified by the grotesque face staring back at me.

My normally smooth and perfectly groomed, midnight-black, hair was frazzled and tangled, and my makeup from the previous day was wiped all over my face. I went straight to work, rubbing all the makeup smudges off with a warm wash cloth. Then I undressed and hopped into the steaming shower, using my expensive shampoo and conditioner, praying my hair would be back to it's normal silky self after the tender loving care.

When I had redressed, applied fresh makeup, and combed through my back-to-normal hair, I was feeling a lot more optimistic about the long day that I was sure laid out ahead of me. I even managed to plaster a phony, but believable smile on my face. For Emily's sake.

After my little self-pep talk, I sauntered out into the main part of the house, trying to act as subtle as possible. I snuck a glance at the olive-skinned, dark-haired, children that all sat sprawled out on the shag carpet, hands on their cheeks, eyes glued to the television that displayed a cat and mouse chase. I noticed Emily, and her husband, Sam, having an intimate moment in the kitchen. I looked away bashfully as their lips met, and I was sure they were the only two people in the world. I had never seen a more intimate kiss.

I wasn't without an object to my focus for long, because somehow all four children had crowded around me, in the time it took me to turn my head away from the kiss. Each one's big brown eyes curiously searched my face, making me feel more self-conscious than I had in awhile. I could also see a little of Emily in each of them, increasing my discomfort. I never wanted kids of my own, that was for sure.

"Cware! Cware!" The littlest one tugged irritatingly on my leg.

"Your our cousin, right?" The older boy asked.

"Your so pretty!" The other girl complimented, and the similarity between Emily and her's voices was uncanny. It made me cringe.

"You smell bad", the little boy scrunched up his nose at my perfume. My three-hundred dollar perfume.

Just when I was sure I wouldn't be able to handle staying in this house for the entire day, being prodded with high-pitched questions, a booming voice made me jump. Uncle Sam.

"Brandon, you do not speak like that to anyone. That was rude. Apologize to Claire." The commanding tone in his voice was unmistakable, and I kept my attention on him, even though the small boy apologized obediently. I mumbled a small "Apology accepted", but kept my gaze on my uncle. He hadn't changed one bit since I left. Emily was visibly older than him.

"Were sorry about that. Brandon tends to run his mouth", his strong voice snapped me out of my trance, just in time to see his apologetic smile.

"Don't worry about it", I heard my mouth speak, but his commanding tone still rang in my head.

After eating a strawberry yogurt cup, despite the fat and calorie-filled breakfast Emily had constructed for me, I decided to take a walk down to the one place I wasn't planning on avoiding for the trip. First Beach. That had always been my favorite place as a child, and the one place I was sure I would still enjoy seeing as an adult.

The rain hadn't presented itself yet, but by the grayish demeanor of the clouds, I was sure I would see it sometime today. I made my way down the dirt driveway and unto the sidewalk, heading towards the salty ocean aroma. I was pretty sure I could remember the way there, and there were a few signs that could help direct me if I got lost. La Push had always been a popular tourist destination, which was beyond me, but to each their own, I suppose.

When I reached the rainbow-rock covered shores of First Beach, I discovered that I had the complete beach to myself. I sat down on one of the driftwood benches, letting the ocean air fill into my nostrils, and the relaxing sound of crashing waves soothe me. The black water was violent today, crashing against the beach with wicked snaps and retreats. And for one second, I didn't miss Boston. One second.

I sat there for what felt like mere minutes, but after checking my watch had been hours. The sun was even setting now, making the already cloudy sky even gloomier and more eerie in appearance. I got up and swatted any dirt particles off my clothing, realizing that the rain would start soon, and I would prefer not getting soaked to the bone. I barely made it fifty yards before I felt the liquid droplets of moisture landing on my head and shoulders. I pulled up my hood, and began to wish I would have worn boots, rather than flip flops. Good thinking, Claire.

I continued on the treacherous trail back to Emily's, my head facing the water that ran over pavement. My feet were now a filthy shade of brown, mixing in with the slushy mud. The temperature probably dropped fifteen degrees when I finally reached the front doorknob with my nose running.

I opened it slowly, still a little uncomfortable with staying in someone's home. I would've felt much more at ease in a hotel room. Preferably a palatial one.

I crossed the kitchen, passing a family board game, minus Sam, and headed for my room. I immediately took off all the sopping clothing, and changed into some dry clothes. I headed out to the kitchen going to grab another yogurt cup for supper, but Emily stopped me in the middle of it. The kids must have gone to play in their rooms, because now we were alone.

"How was your day?" She smiled genuinely, and I wondered if she could have any other expression on her face, ever.

"Decent. I went to First Beach." She nodded. But she was fiddling with her hands now, as if she was nervous.

She didn't say anything though, so I turned back around to grab a spoon for the yogurt, and sat down at the table, opening the lid off the container.

"Claire, do you remember what your uncle's job is?" No. Nor did I care.

"No, I don't." I took a scoop of yogurt, letting the strawberry taste soak into my tongue.

"Um, well, he's part of a 'pack'." Pack. I certainly remembered now. Memories hit me like a tone of bricks. Vampires. Shape-shifters. Werewolves.

"I remember now." I was secretly proud of how calm I sounded. Werewolves were kind of a huge part of my childhood. They were always hanging around.

"Oh, good!" She smiled, obviously relieved that she wouldn't have to break that kind of news to me. I could see why that would be difficult. The only reason I know that they really exist is because I had seen them before, as a child. Then her face got serious again, and I could tell she wasn't finished.

"Were having the pack over for dinner tomorrow. They're all super excited to see you again. Especially one", she smiled mischievously at the last part, giving me a sly grin.

Who was excited to see me? The last time I was here, I was a snot-nosed child that was obsessed with barbies and the powder puff girls. No one would be excited to see that girl again, right? I simply nodded at her comment, not bothering to question Emily's strange hinting. I really didn't even care at this point. I just wanted to get through the next few weeks without dying.

Even though I wasn't exactly excited for the dinner party being thrown for me, it would probably the ideal time to tell everyone about the wedding. I knew Emily would go nuts when I told her, gushy, lovey-dovey things seemed to be right up her alley.

I ate the rest of my yogurt, and retired to my room for the night. I called Dylan, and had a long conversation with him, feeling ten times better after I did. He certainly brought out the best in me. Soon he would be my husband. My heart pounded at the single thought.

I finished my night off checking my work e-mail, and replying to a few of my mom's e-mails. She asked how Emily was? Good. She has four kids. She asked if I was enjoying myself? Not a bit. She asked if I told anyone I was engaged yet? Nope. I will tomorrow night at dinner though.

When the little cuckoo bird popped out at eleven, I shut my bedside light off and sank into the squeaky mattress. Then I closed my drooping eyelids, falling into a deep sleep, and dreaming of Dylan's face as I walked down the aisle in a white gown.

Just to clear it up a bit:

1. Claire remembers the wolves because she saw them when she was a child (while they were phased)

2. Claire doesn't remember any of them specifically though, other than Sam, her uncle