Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight


Chapter Twelve

*Masen's POV*

I was restlessly lying awake in the middle night. I couldn't quite shake sleep right away. Grace wasn't with me tonight. She was back at home, but part of me just wanted to go there right now. She went to Robert's today so I know she came home late and I don't want to bug her...But at the same time I needed her.

It's been a couple of days since Lily's attack. Austin's been expelled. He lost his position on the basketball team, and he probably won't get into college. It sucks. This whole thing truly sucks. At first I thought he was a good kid. He was chill. We even hung out a few times as a group. Then, he started up that crap with Lily back at Bryan's party a year ago. That's when I really started to see how big of a jerk he was, but not jerky enough to pull a stunt like what he did at junior prom. What he did to Lily is unforgivable in my book. It kills me that someone she once trusted could do that...Then again, most sexual assaults are done by a person you know. Statistically, that is.

I sighed, rolling around in bed. I decided it'd probably be best to stay up. It's not like I needed sleep. I probably could stay awake for twenty-four hours, but do I ever try it- no. I sleep, but for Lux Lamia it isn't really a required thing. Maybe like four or three hours will get you through the day. Lux Lamia were weird because we were the children of undead beings. So in a way, we were kind of like living undead creatures but not really? I don't know how to explain it, but that's what I was.

I got up from the bed and made my way out into the hallway. I decided to maybe try to watch some T.V or do something else. Maybe see Grace. Ah screw it, I needed to see her now.

I quietly headed down stairs and snuck out the front door. My mother was watching Romeo and Juliet with Renesmee and my dad was out taking Lizzy to pick up something for her plants. So that meant I would have an easy time getting out of here.

As I left, I noticed a figure sitting on the steps. I frowned, taking a closer look I saw it was Lily.

"Hey," I said softly, walking over to her.

"Hey," She chirped, giving me a small smile. "What's up?"

"Nothing much," I replied, shrugging. "Can I ask why you're hanging out here at eleven at night."

"I could ask you the same thing," She remarked, smirking at me.

I shrugged, "Well, I was going to my girlfriends. You?"

"Ah," Lily responded, turning her head to face the street. "I couldn't sleep and I didn't want to wake Ethan up again."

"You know, he only wants what's best for you," I mentioned slowly, walking over to sit next to her.

"I know and I appreciate everything he does for me. I know he's going to be there, I just want to give him a break. He's been on Lily duty for like the past couple of days," She told me, shrugging. "And with sex...We used to have it all the time but right now I don't think I can push myself to even-"

"Lily, he understands. Ethan's not going to make you do anything you don't want to," I pointed out, trying to reassure my best friend.

"I know, I just feel bad on his end. Why does he have to suffer just because I am?" She asked quietly.

"Because he's your mate," I told her simply. "When you suffer, he suffers. When he suffers, you suffer. You're each others halves. He'll only want to have sex with you when you're ready."

"I just wish this never happened," Lily confessed to me, rubbing her eyes. "I hate going to school because everyone looks at me differently. Either I'm Lily the victim or Lily the bitch that got Austin kicked out of school..."

"Well screw them," I exclaimed bitterly. "Because they don't matter. You do and the only people who give a shit are the friends you have standing by your side. It'll get better, Lily. It has to."

"How can you be so sure?" Lily whispered, looking up at me with her big blue eyes. I never saw this kind of vulnerability in Lily before. She's so strong and carries herself that way, but I could tell she was scared.

"Because, you got a lot of people who love you way too much that want you to heal," I told her gently.

She half smiled at me, "Thanks...You know, I'm really grateful to have you all in my life."

"And vise versa," I told her. She chuckled, leaning her head against my shoulder. I then wrapped my arm around her body and leant my head against hers.

"Are you still going on the camping trip this weekend?" I asked her curiously.

Lily nodded, "Yeah. I want to have fun. I'm done moping."

"Good. It'll be fun. Our last horary, we'll be in the wilderness. In tents...It'll be fun. Maybe we can prank a few people. I wouldn't mind sending someone off into the lake on a floating mattress like they did in the parent trap," I said enthusiastically.

This caused Lily to just laugh and shake her head at me, "There's a reason you're my best friend. You always seem to make everything feel better."

"Good," I answered, grinning at her. "That's what I'm here for."

Lily then reached up to kiss my cheek, "I'll see you tomorrow morning. I'm going back to bed. Ethan might be wondering where I am if he wakes up."

"Yeah. I'm going to head to Grace's now," I responded. The two of us just smiled once more at each other before parting ways.

It didn't take me long to get to Grace's, about five minutes or so. When I finally reached her apartment building, I carefully snuck up to her window through the fire escape. Her window was left open just a crack. She tends to do that in case I might come in the night, which I normally do.

Quietly, I climb through. The light was still on, but she was out. Grace was sleeping at the bench. A book was sprawled on the floor near her. I could tell she didn't even change into her pajamas. A small smile seemed to be on her face. I always loved watching her sleep. It was relaxing. She was safe and sound.

I then picked her up in my arms and placed her in the bed. She stirred in my arms, her eyes opening a bit, "Masen?"

"Yeah," I whispered, kissing her forehead. "Sorry, baby. I stopped by, but I didn't want to wake you up."

"It's okay," Grace told me groggily. Her eyes blinking a bit. "I'm glad you did. I must've fallen asleep reading my book. I'm exhausted."

"Go back to sleep," I whispered, kissing her temple.

"I need to get my pajamas on." Grace groaned, pointing to the articles of clothing discarded on her dresser.

"I got it. Don't worry," I said chuckling as I picked up the pair of her pajama shorts and t-shirt. I then handed them to her while I removed my coat and placed it gently on the bed.

Once she was comfortable, I crawled into the bed with her. Grace found a nice comfy spot on my chest and instantly relaxed. I relaxed too having her in my arms.

"I love you," Grace muttered to me sleepily. "You know, I think I want to marry you one day."

"I hope so," I chuckled, brushing her hair. "Because I want to marry you as well one day."

"We should do it," Grace mumbled tiredly. "Soon. Like after graduation."

"You don't want to wait?" I asked her curiously. I felt her shrug in my arms.

"I don't know. Somedays I just wish you and I could run away and elope. Other days I want to take this relationship slow...But all I know if I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I want to get married to you and just wake up every morning to your face," She proclaimed.

"Well, one day we will get married, Grace Ava Martin. I promise," I vowed to her quietly, brushing my hand through her hair. "One day."

"Good," She replied, leaning over to kiss me on the lips. I grinned as we pulled apart before falling fast asleep with my mate in my arms.

*Renesmee's POV*

"This movie never gets old," I mentioned to my mother as the credits for the 1996 Romeo and Juliet starring Leonardo DiCaprio began to roll.

"It's different. I like how it has the same exact script but a modern twist," My mom added.

The two of us where just spending some quality time together. After everything that happened with Lily and now my approaching graduation, I don't think I ever wanted to spend as much time as I could with my parents. I just wanted to treasure my time with them before I moved out and everything else in between.

"So, are you three ready for the camping trip?" My mother asked me once I shut the T.V off.

"Yeah. Well I know I'm pretty packed. I don't know about Lizzy and Masen. Probably have to hound them a bit, but to be honest they'll probably be fine," I told her. I then started to chuckle. "Jake's getting pretty into it. All the camping stuff is just piling in Grandma and Grandpa's garage. All the tents and equipment...He's so excited to go camping. I think he missed it a lot," I explained to her, blushing at the thought of my boyfriend.

My mother smiled warmly at me, "You love him a lot, don't you?"

I bit my lip. "Yeah...He's...I don't know. I mean yes, Jacob's my boyfriend. Of course I love him...But he's more than that, you know? It's intense. I just get so wrapped up when I'm with him. When I was a kid he was my best friend, my older brother almost. He was my only campion for a long time, but then Lily and Aidan came and then after that Masen and Lizzy- I don't know...I just started to see him in another light. It took awhile, but loving Jake...Even though I was confused what I wanted for awhile, loving him has been a hectic, but easy thing. I can trust him...I just...It's like he's my life. Being with him I can be me and not have to worry. I just...I couldn't picture a world without him. He just means so much and it's scary to think how intense I care for him...But I just love him. I love him so much, Momma," I whispered.

My mother then brought me into her arms and hugged me tightly, "I know, dear. I feel the same about your father. When I was separated from your father, I felt like my whole world was falling apart. I didn't understand it, but all I knew was I loved him. I love your father so much. It was intense. People thought I was crazy for marrying Edward at such a young age, then again it was to become immortal with him. I couldn't loose him. And I mean, how at such a young age would I know I would be with him forever? I just did. We knew we were mates, from the very beginning."

I smiled at the thought of my parents. The epitome of romance those two. I then bit my lip, "Momma...Can I ask you a very personal question?"

"Sure," She said, raising her eyebrows. "What dear?"

"I...I...I love Jacob. I just...I'm trying to figure stuff out. Things I've been thinking about...About us..." I trailed off, feeling my face go flushed.

I think my mom caught on, "You mean...When is it right to have sex?"

"Yep," I squeaked, embarrassed that I was bringing this up with my mother.

My mom nodded, "Look baby, I...I mean I wanted to before I married your father. He insisted only after marriage. So that's why we waited, but then again your dad is very old school. You aren't and neither is Jake. The two of you both grew up in a modern ear and it's the twenty first century. Things are very different now and if it happens, it happens. Just as long as you're safe and you're being smart. That's all I'm going to tell you because I know what it's like. I was once a teenager too. I get it. Just...Just be careful."

"So there's no pressure to safe it for marriage?" I asked inquisitively.

Mom shook her head, "No dear. It's not what I say or your father or anyone else says. It's up to you and Jacob. I have no authority over what you two choose. I mean I have authority since you're living under my roof, but not like that. You're mature, Renesmee. I trust you."

I smiled, nodding, "Thanks Momma."

"Anytime, my little nudger," She whispered. I smiled, going in for a hug.

"Hey guys," Lizzy chimed coming over with my father. She had a plastic bag in her arm. "Whatcha up to?"

"Nothing," I told her right away. "Nothing at all."

"Okay..." Lizzy muttered, raising her eyebrows.

"Where's Masen?" My dad asked curiously, looking around. "He's not in the house."

"I think he went to see, Grace," I told him, chuckling.

"Yeah. He likes sneaking up to her window in the middle of the night," Lizzy added.

"Sounds like someone I know," My mother remarked, quirking her eyebrow at my father.

"What can I say, father like son," My dad responded, flashing a crooked grin.

"You used to sneak into Momma's room at night?" Lizzy questioned curiously.

"Yeah. I always liked to be with your mother while she slept. It was peaceful to watch," My dad answered.

"You watched her while she slept? Isn't that kind of I don't know...Odd?" Lizzy questioned.

Momma laughed while I chuckled a bit. My father just shook his head in a chuckle and placed a hand on Lizzy's shoulder.

"Maybe a bit, but it's also very intimate," My mom added, giving my father a smile.

"Love is weird," Lizzy responded, whistling.

"Well wait until you're in love. You do crazy things when you're in love," Momma answered as she got up to plant a kiss on my father's lips.

"I guess," Lizzy said softly. I sighed looking at my little sister. I was worried for her. Whatever was going through her head right now, it had to be about Seth. Even though she seemed a bit better after our talk, I think a part of it still bothers her.

"Anyway, come on Momma. I want to show you and Dad what I've been working on," Lizzy announced, changing the topic.

"Alright dear." My mother chuckled as she and my father took either of Lizzy's hands.

"Ness, you can come too," Lizzy added.

"Alright." I smiled as I joined my family.

Whatever happened with Jacob, it would be between us and whatever we decided, I just hope it would be the right moment.

*Abby's POV*

"Hey Abby, come on in," Cordelia greeted me at the front door of her house.

"Hey Cordy," I greeted my sister as she let me into her home. It was mid afternoon. Not early like the last visit but I had to wait until school was up. Anyway, this time it was just me. Not that I didn't want Lizzy to come, it's just this is something I had to do on my own. I didn't really want my parents knowing about what I was up to or anything revolving the Volturi. They didn't ask for this- a child with the worst biological parents possible.

"Hey Abby!" Robert greeted me from the living room. He was currently playing with Lucia on the floor. The little girl was toddling all over the place, her brown curls bouncing up and down as she giggled.

"Hey Rob. Lucia," I said, waving at the two. Lucia saw me and waved back enthusiastically. She was such a innocent pure little girl. I wish nothing ever bad to happen to her.

"What's up little sis?" Dru asked me. She was sitting at the kitchen table with a mug in her hands. "You wanted to talk to Cordy and I?"

"Yeah," I told them cautiously. "I just...I hope this doesn't upset you guys or anything."

"What would upset us?" Cordelia questioned innocently. "You know you can talk to us about anything."

"It's about Aro," I confessed, biting my lip. "I've been thinking about my biological roots lately and I can't help but feel paranoid."

The two sisters instantly became quiet. This was a touchy subject for both. "Why though? Do you think father is after you?" Dru asked me curiously.

"I guess you can say that," I said, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my head. "He let me go once, but I just have this weird feeling like he's out there...Waiting to snatch me up when I least expect it."

"You're just being paranoid, Abbs," Dru said, giving my hand a squeeze. "He's not coming back."

Cordelia was silent. She just bit her lip and took a deep breath before speaking, "Dru...We can't say that."

"Why not?" Dru questioned, her eyebrows furrowing together. "He's left us alone this long. Why now?"

"I feel the same as she does, Dru," Cordelia spoke up, looking at me with empathic eyes. "I know I have a new life, but sometimes I feel the same. Like he's going to come out of nowhere and snatch it all away from me. Dearest sisters, may I remind you he has a tendency to do this kind of thing. He's waiting for something."

"What though?" I asked.

"He's not coming!" Dru argued, shaking her hands back and forth. "He can't and if he does I refuse to go back with him!"

"No one is saying he definitely is coming for us, Dru," Cordelia told our sister. "We're just talking about the options. This is something we need to consider."

"Consider what!?" Dru cried out in frustration. "I can't believe you two-"

"Wait, Dru," I begged. "I didn't want to upset you. I'm just scared, that's all. This is a man I've only met once in my life yet all the terrors everyone has told me about...They frighten me. I'm scared he's going to come here and steal me away from my parents."

"You can't think that way," Dru whispered, stroking a hand through my hair.

"Maybe it's a possibility, but don't. Look, your family is trying to find out what Aro's up to and when they do, we'll get him and stop him from ever laying a finger on you," Cordelia told me softly. "Abby, do you understand you are my sister and Dru's. We will never let him do what he did to us. Aro doesn't love us. He only wants us for the sake of our powers, and even though you don't know yours yet...That all he'll ever want you for and you were raised by the Cullen's. Your mind is pure. It'll be okay, whatever happens."

"Okay," I said, settling down. "Thanks guys."

"That's what sisters do," Dru exclaimed, giving me a side hug. I chuckled as I was smushed between my two sisters.

"Now come on, why don't the three of us do something fun," Dru declared, grinning at us.

"What do you have in mind? May I remind you, Abby is still young and well, I'm a momma now," Cordelia pointed out, eyebrows raised.

"Not that kind of fun." Dru rolled her eyes, "I was thinking like going out to eat or something. Girls day out."

"I like the sound of that," I agreed gleefully. "Let me just call my mom and dad."

"That would probably be a good idea," Dru agreed.

After ringing up my parents, I hung up Cordelia's home phone. They had a point, about Aro. I guess I was just being paranoid, but at the same time cautious. This isn't something someone at fourteen years old should be doing. I was growing up and fast. I shouldn't be worrying like this. I should be enjoying it. I should be-

And that's when I slipped on Lucia's toy. I guess I was so occupied with whatever was going on in my head, I didn't realize the little toys on the ground. I was about to go face first when two hands caught me by the waist.

"Woah there, Squeaks. You should watch where you're going," a familiar voice chided. I turn around to see Lucas Rider holding on to me. "Pretty clumsy for someone who's part vampire."

"Shut up, Rider! I was," I growled as he held me up. "Now, will you let me down."

"With pleasure." He smirked, dropping me to the ground like a sack of potatoes. I frowned at him, brushing myself off.

"What, no thank you?" Lucas questioned. I could see the hint of mischief in his eyes.

Meanwhile, I rolled mine, "I was just getting to that, pushy."

"Oh, well I'd like to hear it," He said, grinning from ear to ear.

"Thank you, Lucas Rider for saving me from my impending doom by Thomas the Tank Engine. You really know how to swoon a gal," I remarked sarcastically.

"Aw come on, squeaks. You can do better than that," He teased. I could tell he was enjoying this.

"Well there will be no other. Just thank you for not letting me crack my head open," I muttered, shrugging.

Lucas just chuckled before his face became more serious, "So um...How's Lily doing?"

"She's doing better," I told him, nodding my head. "She's back at school and I think she'll be fine. She's very strong."

"Oh yeah she is. Boy, I have to thank her for everything she's done for my brother. That girl is a fighter, probably one of the toughest I've seen," Lucas mentioned, a small smile on his face. "I'm glad Ethan has her in his life."

"I'm glad they have each other too," I agreed, nodding my head a bit.

"Lucas! Stop holding my little sister up! We're going out," Dru sung, prancing over. "Come on, Abby! Let's have some sister bonding fun."

"Okay." I laughed as she linked arms with me.

"Lucas, you and Rob are on babysitting duty," Dru commanded.

"Where the heck are Maysun and Jackson?" Robert asked, coming over. Lucia was settled in his arms with Cordelia trailing right behind, kissing her daughter on the cheek goodbye.

"They're in Jackson's car right now out back having a little fun in the back seat," Lucas whistled, shoving his hands in his pocket.

"Oh great, so you and I are babysitting while Jack and May are romancing the stone in the back," Robert stated flatly.

"Pretty much, Bertie," Lucas said, wrapping an arm around Robert's shoulder. "Now come on, let's have some fun with the kiddo. Day out with Daddy and her favorite Uncle."

"Alright boys, behave," Cordelia chided, grinning at them. She then reached over to peck Robert on the lips. "We'll be back later on tonight."

"Alright. See you guys," Robert called out to us as we left the house promptly.

I chuckled as I headed out into the car with the two older sisters.

"Did you realize that your car is parked right in front of where May and Jack are," Dru pointed out to where the nearby car was rocking up and down gently.

"You know, it might be a lovely day to take the subway. You guys feel the same?" Cordelia asked, giggling.

"Yeah...Let's go," I agreed as we walked away from the house, laughing our heads off. All in all, I was just grateful to have two sisters like Dru and Cordy.


A/N: Heyy guys. It feels like forever since I've updated but it's not really lol. I've just had a long week and I know my days will be getting more hectic. In the meantime, hopefully I'll be able to keep up the updates. Thanks for reading and be on the lookout for the next update!