Chapter four:

Surprise appearance.

I was awoken by the sound of rain. Ah, yay. Rain. Meaning, I would be attending school and not have to worry about 'mister seduction' anytime soon. I looked at the clock and figured mom was planning on letting me stay off today, considering how late I had gone to bed. Downstairs, I could hear her on the phone to dad. He was out with Grandpa. Apparently, Alice had gone mega makeup maniac with the whole aging thing. He said himself that he looked like a thirty-five year old. Ha, I'd wanna see that. If he looked thirty-five... I wonder how old Grandpa looked. Again, I'd have to see. I got up silently and changed into a blue pair of jeans and a plain tee-shirt, topping it with a white hoodie, due to me forgetting and leaving my favorite one at the cottage with him.

Wandering down the stairs, I cleared my throat. Mom looked at me and smiled, then returned to her phone call. "I'm just gonna grab something to eat at school," I said. She nodded her head; obviously not taking in what I was saying. But before she could pull me up on it, I was out the door with my bag. There was no way in hell I was missing school. I decided to walk instead of run through the forest. Take in the fresh air and feel the raindrops spill onto my face. I was so lost within my dreamy state, I didn't even notice the fact I had a follower. Not until he spoke, that is.

"Off to school, I see?"

I actually jumped out of my skin. My eyes wide with alarm. He had to stop doing that. I was going to end up having a heart attack if he carried on! Right, remember Renesmee. Be nice. He could kill you with one flick of his hand. I took a deep breath, in order to calm my breathing.

"Morning Alec," I mused, calming my heart down. He nodded his head as a greeting.

"Yeah, gotta learn those A, B, C's." I made an attempt at a small joke. He didn't smile, though. He just nodded. I noticed he did that a lot. Hard ass. He didn't show much emotion either and I don't mean didn't smile a lot or anything. I mean he showed no emotion period. It was like talking to a brick wall... If they could talk back. In this case, my brick wall could.

"What are you doing out so early?" I asked, beginning to dislike the silence. Alec shrugged his shoulders, pursing his lips in a god-like way. Leaving me strangely breathless.

"A morning stroll," he said blandly.

"But it's raining,"

"Indeed it is. Ten points for the half-breed."

Ten points? Did he really say that? I looked at him, fighting the smile off my lips. He glanced down to me and it was then I noticed it. The side of his lips, just the little corners, curving. He made a joke with his sarcasm! I let out a laugh, knowing it was safe to do so.

"So, that leaves me ten points and you zero."

"I'm playing a losing game," he noted. "but I shall get points before this evaluation is through,"

I knew what he meant by evaluation. Once he had reached his conclusion and this was all over and he would leave. I wished that day would hurry up. It wasn't like I was some masked murderer who killed people in secret just to get thrills of being caught. Bella and Edward brought me up to respect humans. Hell, my best friends were human!

"I bet I'll still win," I said bluntly, so sure of myself.

"What do you bet, miss Cullen?"

"Okay, can you stop calling me that?" I said, finally realizing how annoying that name was. Looking up towards him, it was then I noticed how tall he actually was. 5'10. Taller than me, that's for sure.

"Would you like me to call you by your name?" He asked.

"Call me Nessie, everyone does."

Alec's brow creased into a deathly frown. I, was startled by it, as if I had said something wrong and that was it. I was a dead girl walking. Well, half dead girl walking. I felt my heart begin to hammer ten times its natural speed. The look on his face was total disgust. What the hell did I do?

"You want me to refer to you as the loch ness monster?" He asked in a venom coated tone. "I'm sorry but I can't do that."

"What's wrong with Nessie?" I frowned, slightly offended at his tone towards my nickname. It wasn't his to live with, it was mine.

"What is right with it?" He stated, returning his eyes in front of him. "I apologise but I refuse to call you that, Renesmee. You realise I would be calling you a monster by calling you that name."

"I kinda am a monster..."

"Never the less, Renesmee. You are more normal than any of us, thus you shouldn't be referred to as a monster. You should be named something unique, as that is what you are.." He said quickly and swiftly. I didn't know if I should take that as a compliment or not. Why did Alec have to use words that confused me? "I shall call you by your full name for I simply am not using that excuse of a nickname for you."

"But Renesmee's a mouthful," I complained, knowing I'd probably get tired of him saying 'Renesmee' all the goddamn time. "Come up with a nickname for me then," I said. Yeah, this would be hilarious. Alec of the Volturi set a task to think of a pet name for me. He'd probably come up with 'road kill' or something like that. Alec's head turned to me again, his eyes looking as if they were filled with mischief.

"Create a nickname for you?" He repeated, the curves to his full lips returning. I felt the melting feeling begin yet again. "Alright. That shall be our first task. When you return from school, we shall go over names I have come up with. Deal?"

I watched the way he spoke, taking in his every word. First task. This guy was really into the whole 'must speak properly' thing, wasn't he? Couldn't have a little bit of slang in there or anything. I actually kinda liked it. I nodded my head, giving a full smile of my teeth. "Deal and if you come up with something I actually love then five points to you?"

"I shall try my best," he bowed his head; coming to a stop. I frowned at his sudden stand still, then realised I was at the end of the forest. The road leading to the school was just there. Ah, why did I have the urge not to go to school? Of course, I'd have to go now. Since I made that deal with Alec. This was going to be hell. Me sitting wondering what he was going to come up with. I guess patience was a virtue.

"G'bye Alec," I waved; backing out of the trees and onto the pathway.

"Arrivederci," was what I last heard before he vanished completely. I sighed, rather happy with myself. Maybe Alec being here wasn't such a bad thing afterall.

—xXx—

Everyone was in today. I had most likely expected one of the girls to fake being ill, in order not to come to school on such a miserable day like this; but all were here. As was I, grinning like a madwoman. Just thinking of the possibilities of nicknames Alec could come up with. He had bound to have lived a while due to his amazing vocabulary skills, but it did make me wonder. Would he use it for good or bad? Worry and excitement didn't go well, did it? My stomach seemed to be in knots, but I enjoyed it. Thoroughly. I walked on past groups of friends huddling under jackets to keep dry from the rain, oblivious to the fact my hair was clinging to my face.

Ivy was stood under an umbrella with the others. Chatting away endlessly. In a daze, I stood beside them, not saying a word. They did fall silent when I arrived, waiting for me to say something. When I didn't, they glanced at one another in confusion.

"You okay, Nessie?" Suzannah finally said.

"Never better." I replied. Should I tell them about Alec? Maybe I shouldn't. After all, I didn't know if he intended for people to actually know he was here other than my family and myself. Maybe he liked to keep to himself, due to the fact he wouldn't set foot outside the forest and into the open. Maybe he was shy? Ha! Him, shy? His master of seduction skills into me producing my diary into his hand last night proved to me he wasn't shy and would do anything to get what he wanted.

I decided; if they were to ever see Alec then I'd tell them about him. Make up some jackass story on how he was a friend of the families. That wasn't that much of a lie, considering he was kinda friend of the family. Aro and Carlisle classed themselves as friends, so by all means it was kinda the truth. I could just say he was Aro's son. Aha! Possibly true, I'd have to ask how close Alec was to Aro. In fact, I still had a lot of questions to ask him. He didn't seem to have much of a problem answering the 'why are you here' one, so he wouldn't mind answering more, right?

"Don't look now, but Nathan Newton is looking right at us," Ivy breathed, causing all of us to turn and look. What did she expect us to do, ignore it? Hell, we wanted to see if it were true! Any girl —even me— who caught the attention of Nathan Newton would instantly feel like a someone.

His eyes met with mine and gave a flash of his teeth. A friendly, welcoming smile. As if mentally he was saying 'hi' for the first time since first grade! I felt my heart melt, but my mind did wander. Wandered right to the very person I doubted I'd ever picture smiling at me out of friendliness. Alec.

I imagined him being in among all the populars, blending in as if he belonged there. Which he would have, if he were human. Alec was unbelievably beautiful. Anyone who said otherwise needed to go to the opticians and get the strongest pair of glasses available. He was obviously rich. Hell, the Volturi were our royalty for god sake. Obviously he was rich. He lived in a castle for crying out loud. And to top it all off, he would have the personality to be a popular also. A master in seduction. I could just imagine it now. Watching Amber, Mercedes and Brittany breaking their high heels just to get a small whiff of his divine scent..

"Did he just smile at you?" Shannon whispered, turning eyes on to me. Her voice broke me from my daydream, bringing me back into the present.

"Who?" I blinked.

"Nathan, duuh!"

"Oh... Uh, yeah. I think so." I shrugged. The girls went into a fit of giggles while I was left the only one sane and unaffected by Nathan's dazzling smile. No, I was left dazed by my imagination of what Alec's dazzling smile would look like, if he ever smiled.

The bell sounded and instantly people began to rush inside to be out of the rain. I followed after my fleeing friends, being hit by the sudden heat of the inside world. I tried to think of what I had first, but Suzannah reminded me. Gym.

The class we were all together in. At least I wouldn't be alone for a while; thinking of him and his stupid nickname offer. I changed into my sweats and tied my dripping hair up. Gym would give me a chance to heat up, sweat and give our clothes a chance to dry a little. The sport was simply basketball. Giving me a chance to let off some steam. I mean, what female teenager didn't secretly like to play a bit of sports when their head was a bit muddled? Yes, they might complain that they hated it and would do anything to get out of it, but when push comes to shove, we secretly enjoyed it. I know I did. Especially getting to throw the ball into the basket and getting the rushing feeling of victory come over you like a sweet waterfall. You scored a basket, got a point and your team was closer to winning all thanks to your tactics. Shannon, Suzannah and Ivy were reluctant at the start, as most girls are. Eventually they got into it. I think they spent the first ten minutes watching the boys playing their round on the other side of the gym hall. Girls watching guys in shorts. Obviously. I smiled at this and took a wander towards the changing room once our lesson was over. The girls, who had hardly played at all, followed me.

I pulled on my now dry clothes and decided to keep my hair up in the messy ponytail it was currently in. Doing up the zipper for my hoodie, I stood by the door waiting for the bell to ring indicating next lesson. English. Once again, I would have to withstand the events of Romeo and Juliet. It wasn't that I didn't like the book or play, whatever it was. I actually did. In fact, I cried reading it the first time. But after a while, reading how stupid they really were for giving up their lives just for love got boring. Yet, maybe I saw it as stupid because I had never really came to feel that. Would I ever give up my life because a lover died? Because I wouldn't be able to live the rest of eternity without them? Probably not...

"So, you spoken to Nathan yet?" Ivy asked once she and the others were dressed and walking along the corridor towards our classes. I knew this was coming. I had made the mistake of telling them he said 'see you later.' Which meant, since they were my best friends, they wanted to know everything. Every little detail and wouldn't give up until they got it. I shook my head, taking a drink of the bottled water. Mr. Newton—otherwise known as Mike— always brought in bottles of water for his classes. It was a nice gesture.

"Well, now is your chance. Tell us the details later!" Hissed Ivy, pushing me before I had a chance to speak. Yup. She pushed me. Right into Nathan, who was surrounded by all his friends and were now staring and laughing at me. Thanks Ivy. Really, thanks.

"Woah, you okay?" Nathan asked, making sure I was steady on my feet. Great. Now I had to make it look like it was my fault. If I had any backbone, I would of told him who pushed me into him, but then there would be questions as to why I was pushed into him and thus making it all a bigger mess. I think personal embarrassment wasn't so much of a sin. Hell, I was leaving town soon.

"Yeah, sorry. I tripped on something," I said looking to the floor. Looking for something to be an excuse for my foul play. Nathan kept a hand on my arm, making sure I was still steady. He nodded towards the rest of the guys; letting them walk on while laughing.

"You must think I'm some sort of a clutz."

"Nah, don't worry about it. You're not that bad. I've had worse things happen to me than a pretty girl tripping into me."

I was momentarily stunned. Did he just call me... Pretty? I had to blink a few times to make sure I was actually there and it was Nathan Newton talking to me and not some sick, evil mind game my head was playing with me. Naturally, I giggled while my cheeks flushed pink.

"Wanna get to class?" He asked, tilting his head to the side. I nodded fully, beginning to walk. What surprised me was the fact he kept up with my speed. Walking with me, rather than behind or in front. People were giving odd looks, but I suppose it's because I wasn't really noticed all that much at school —which I tended to like— and now they finally were because of Nathan.

He walked on in, heading to his group of friends while I wandered to the back; taking my usual seat. Perfect distance to watch him and daydream. However, my eyes moved to the window this time. Watching the rain trickle down the window carefully. Bouncing off the roads and cars. A clap of thunder sounded, indicating we were in for a storm. Great. Maybe Jacob would surprise me with a ride home today. I enjoyed the rain, but not this kind.

—xXx—

Lunch was interesting. Nathan had come up to me and started to talk about the whole Romeo and Juliet thing. Asking what a few words meant and if he had understood it correctly. Naturally, I was just surprised he was willing to speak to me in public, with all his friends watching at the table. The look of surprise on their faces probably replicated my own. They looked so darn confused, as if they had set foot into a alternate universe where normies actually stood a chance at talking to populars. Ha, laughs on you guys. I'm epic enough for Nathan Newton to talk too. Even if it is just for grades and crap. At least he knows my name.

When Nathan sat down, since he was standing there talking to me like a loon; I swear I saw Ivy's eyes explode. Shannon and Susannah had rushed off to the salad bar in order to get 'something.' Meaning, they were too nervous to be around him. Everything was going fine, in fact; Nathan even got comfortable and seemed like he was going to sit there until the end of lunch. But, my luck wasn't that good. Brittany came along; eyes like daggers. She clearly didn't like the fact Nathan was talking to other girls, if she even classed us as girls that is.

"Nate, honey," she said in that annoying nasal voice of hers. "come sit with us."

"Sure thing, Brit. Nes is just helping me with this."

Her icy eyes turned to me. I felt my soul ice over. "Nes." She repeated, sounding like acid. "Ohh, the one who's family uses botox,"

Yup. My lie in order to stay in Forks longer still upheld as a laughing stalk. I nodded my head slightly. "Yeah... That's me,"

She scoffed, smugly and then rested a perfectly manicured hand onto Nathan's shoulder. That instantly caught his attention. It seemed, Brittany knew all the tricks to get a guy. Even someone as down to earth as Nathan. She leant down and whispered something into his ear. It was too low for even my ears to make out. Too... breath like. Nathan blinked and nodded.

"Hey, Nes... Can we carry on with this another time?"

"Yeah.. Sure. When?" I asked, feeling slightly irritated that the she-devil had stolen my only chance at talking to Nathan freely.

"Uh," by this point; Nathan had gotten up, Brittany had taken his hand and was already dragging him away. "Soon."

That was all he said. The rest of lunch was filled with Ivy complaining what a 'bitch' Brittany was. How she saw that Nathan was interested in me, yet I highly doubted that, and then how Brittany felt jealous and saw the need to come steal him back. What I didn't understand was why she used the term 'steal him back.' Nathan wasn't mine. He was never mine to steal back from. So, why use that term? I suppose this was just Ivy's way of seeing things. The rest of the day was a complete and utter blur. I spent most of my time looking out of windows and watching the rain as it got harder and harder. When the bell rang, it was my worst nightmare. Jacob wasn't picking me up, meaning I would have to walk home in this. I suppose, I could always get so far down the road and just vanish from human sight with running? That sounded like a plan. I learnt that Ivy had gotten sent home during second to last period. Something about her mom needing her urgently. Leaving me with Shannon and Suzannah; chatting about going dress hunting. It was a month away, but those two always had to be prepared. The moment the theme for the prom was — Which was ironically an Italian, Venice masked ball. There was a debate on a James bond theme, but it came to the conclusion it had already been done. So, masked ball it was— announced everyone —mainly girls, but there were a few boys who were seemingly interested— was going crazy with preparation. Everyone apart from me. Hell, I didn't know if I would actually make it for prom, due to the threat of my family moving us away early. I played along that I would be attending, with the truth was; I was as unsure as the next pansy. As luck would have it for them, Suzannah's mom came to pick them up. She offered me a lift, but I declined. As much as I was dreading the walk home, I really didn't feel like having mom standing talking awkwardly to my friends mother while they marvelled at my Grandparents home. Instead, I gave them goodbyes and wandered towards the exit of the parking lot. But...

There, sitting on the wall with not a care in the world was Alec. He had a umbrella up, hovering over his head. As I drew in closer, I saw that he was still wearing that damn cloak. His Volturi necklace however was hidden. That large 'V' with a red ruby sat in the middle would sure as hell bring more attention to him than what already was. I could see just by walking past people; everyone's eyes were on the god on the wall. Drawing closer; I also noticed his eyes. They weren't red. They were... Brown. My brows instantly pulled into a confused frown.

"What are you doing here?" I asked once I was close enough.

"I've decided I'm going to walk you too and from school until I leave." said Alec, handing me the umbrella. "You'll be needing this."

I reluctantly reached out and took the shelter from his icy touch sending shivers down my spine. "Thanks I.. guess,"

He jumped down from the wall with a swift move, landing gracefully on his feet. "Shall we?" He motioned with his hand for us to walk. I nodded, wandering towards the stairs, actually thankful for the lack of rain now not hitting me. Although, slightly guilty. Alec was getting drenched, but he seemed unphased by the sheer strength of the drops hammering against him.

"You're eyes are..."

"Brown, I know. Don't remind me, the contacts are getting more and more irritating as we speak."

I laughed aloud. "Then why wear them?"

"Would you prefer me to meet you here with crimson eyes?"

No. I really wouldn't. I could just see it now. All my friends running with fear due to the red eyed demon sitting on the wall. As beautiful as Alec was, I really doubted anyone would care if his eyes were on full display, showing how dangerous he really was.

"I guess not." I mused, taking careful steps downward. Reaching the bottom, Alec gave a flick of his hair, sending droplets to the floor. This action was so.. human like, it left me stunned like most things he did. Him being here was good for me, in a way. I didn't have to pretend to be human like I did with Ivy, Shannon and Suzannah. With him, I was me. I could be half vampire, half human Renesmee Carlie Cullen, Nessie for short. Wait a minute...

"So, nicknames," I said; grinning towards him. His lips curved gracefully.

"Ah, yes. The task I was set for the day," he reminded himself. "Well, can I just say your name is very, very complicated to get any nicknames out of."

"Tell me about it." I scoffed. "What have you got so far? I'll tell you if I like it."

"Mini."

My brow creased. "Do I look like a mouse?"

"Do you really wish for me to answer that?"

I gave him a glare, while he looked at me playfully.

"Fine. Mini is a no. What about... Meme."

I shook my head, making a rather disgusted sound. He chuckled. The sound itself sounded like heaven on earth. Beautiful music to my ears, sending me into an oblivion of relaxing feelings.

"Nezmi."

"That's basically Nes. One of my nicknames anyway."

"Well, I can't copycat, can I."

I gave a laugh myself, clutching onto the umbrella tighter as we entered the winding trees of the forest. Alec let a small 'hmm' sound, his eyes gazing off in front of him. Yet again, he did that... emotionless look. He was thinking. God, I already loved that look.

"Reny?"

"Your-" I stopped, taking in the name fully in that second. Reny. It.. had a ring too it, didn't it? It wasn't complicated. It was simple and sweet. It just kinda... slipped off the tongue like a nickname should. I actually hated to admit it, but I kinda liked it..

"Well?" Alec arched a brow, awaiting the verdict.

"Five points to Alec." I muttered quietly.

He didn't say anything for a moment. He simply looked at me with wonder, then slowly that little curve crept back. I returned the little smile.

"Reny it is then." He nodded.

Reny it is. I wondered if I could somehow convince everyone else to call me that... No. This nickname was special. It was his. It wouldn't sound right if it came off anyone else's lips. I giggled to myself, continuing to smile up towards him. He returned the curved smile; then set his eyes in front of him.

"And I'll call you... Ally," I grinned.

His features became stiff again, but still playful. "If such a name passes your lips again, you shall lose your tongue."

I laughed. He smiled. We walked. I think... Alec and I would become good friends, hopefully. Well, all you can do is hope.

We spent another five minutes talking about useless stuff. Homework, school, etc. Then, once I reached my grandparents home, Alec nodded me a goodbye and said he looked forward to seeing me in a hour. Enough time for me to get dried off. As I walked into the house and gave one last look to the predator that had just walked me home; I waved. He didn't pay much attention, he was too busy walking off being covered with rain. I let a sigh exit my lips entering the house and putting the umbrella down. There, I rushed upstairs to change and get dried. I couldn't wait to spend time with him. This would be the first day I saw what Alec did. Get to see him being... himself, maybe. I just hoped he'd act like himself, considering he was always... on guard when he's been talking to me. Sure, there were the usual laughs here and there, but never fully lost into laughter it hurts your ribs. I wondered if Alec was even capable of laughing. Well, I guess I'd find out.

A/N:

So, what d'you guys think of her new nickname?

Thanks to everyone who had taken the time to read and remember to continue reviewing!

-C.H