Chapter fourteen: E.C

I didn't want to think, speak or even breathe at this point in time. I had lost the three best friends I ever had thanks to jealousy. There was nothing to be jealous about! It was coming clearer and clearer to me just how much I hated being half vampire. Having to keep secrets from my friends. If I was allowed to tell them... Then.. Then... I don't think they would have fallen out with me! Granted, they might of ran away with terror, but still.

The trees came to a halt as I closed in towards the cottage. My mind wasn't set on anything else. Not Bella, Edward or even Jacob. They were the ones I would run too if something happened, especially Jacob. But he, in this case, would most probably turn around and say it was all my fault in the first place. I didn't want a lesson, I just wanted a hug!

I pushed the door open quickly, eyes searching for him. And as soon as my eyes came into contact with the immortal anesthetic himself, the tears began to fall. His eyes had snapped right to the door the moment it opened. He was laying on the sofa; reading 'Hamlet.' Well, at least it was a change from Romeo and Juliet. I didn't give him a chance to get up or ask what was wrong. I just rushed across the room and threw myself onto him.

Not the best move for anyone else with a Volturi member, I figured. Probably not a good move for me to do either, but I didn't care. My head hid right into Alec's chest while my arms locked around him. He was hesitant; obviously, considering I basically rushed in and surprised him with a hug.

"Reny," He whispered, but I dug myself into his chest even more; the sobs beginning to trickle out more aggressively. God, why was I an ugly cryer?! "Is everything... alright?"

Did it look like it?! I didn't answer him. I just continued to drown myself in Alec's scent and marble chest. Maybe if I stayed her for a while; the world would come to an end and everything would be alright. Or maybe... Alec could use his gift on me again, set my carcass alight and let all my problems disappear. The likelihood of that happening was probably nil void.

"Renesmee.." He cooed my name. I felt a hand of his in my hair, soothing it for some strange reason. See, Alec wasn't so... bad. He knew how to deal with this crap! The next moment, I felt his breath at my ear, causing an electric buzz to course through my spine. "If you don't take your face from my chest, you may suffocate, Renesmee."

He had a point. I didn't want to end up dying in the arms of my now only friend. Slowly, I pulled myself off his chest to gaze up at him. The look on Alec's face was concealed off. He wouldn't make a judgement until he had full details. I figured this was his business look. Both of his hands found my face, gently brushing the hair back out of my eyes. His thumb ran over my cheek, taking away tears. "Deep breaths." He instructed. He now had a look of authority. Demanding that I listen to him. I did. I gently took deep breaths in order to calm myself, and to my surprise; it was working.

"Okay," he then said. "Now... Slowly, tell me what's happened."

How could I put it into words? I didn't want to face it myself. To admit to myself that I had lost the only reasons I wanted to stay in Forks for! But his eyes were hypnotic. Before I had a chance to think of what to say, it all came spilling out.

"I...I..Ivy isn't my friend anymore." I said through hyperventilating. "She.. she told me not to talk to her anymore!" And once again, my head found his chest. The sobs were back. "Shannon and Suzannah don't like me anymore either," I managed to choke out.

I felt a reluctant pressure wrap around me. Alec was... comforting me. His arms had wounded around me, one hand holding my head into place. I felt his chin on my head. Alec was actually giving me a hug.. A meaningful hug!

He kept me there for a few minutes, letting me get it out of my system. Letting me cry away all my anger, pain, frustration and hurt on his chest. Then when I felt ready, he let me pull away. I gazed into her seemingly pitless eyes, allowing the feeling of hurt escape from me all together. Just that little stare into his eyes left me feeling... new.

"Better?" Alec then asked, giving me a small half smile. One that Edward usually gave. I noted how much better it looked on Alec. I shook my head, still feeling like shit. Even though his eyes calmed it down somewhat and the crying into his chest made me feel remotely better, it would still hurt.

He let out a gentle sigh; his eyes flicking left towards the clock. I wondered what was going on inside that devious little head of his, but all became clear when he spoke next.

"Alright. Lets go out," I stared at him flabbergasted. He wanted to go out? Really? "Your choice. We could go for a walk, a run... Shopping," I noticed how his nose screwed at the last statement, but it was nice of him to offer. To be completely honest, I didn't want to go anywhere. I just wanted to stay in the house, head on Alec's chest and not exist.

"I don't feel like shopping," I muttered, resting my head back down onto his chest. Alec once again sighed.

"Alright, no shopping." He sounded a little more enthusiastic. Did he really despise shopping with me that much? Aunt Alice had always said I was the best shopping partner. Maybe it was just the shopping he didn't like. "We have to get your mind off things for a while, Reny. Anything you wish and we shall do,"

I groaned. As much as I hated to admit, Alec was right. Sitting in all day feeling sorry for myself wasn't the answer. I had to lap up all the time I had left with Alec. So, reluctantly I sat up again and cleared my throat while running my own hands over my face to rid of any extra tears.

"Well... If you take the 101 all the way through town... It takes you to a lake.."

"A.. Lake?" Alec asked, arching his brow. I simply nodded, still trying to compose myself. "It's called Lake Pleasant. They have some cool stuff," It might of been me, but I seemed to be a little more interested in going than what I should have been. "There's little boats that go across it... Paddle boats, or those really big ones that you just sit on and watch. And.. Bike riding and a ferris wheel,"

Both of Alec's eyebrows pulled up as I continued to strike off stuff I had heard was there. "So, a fair?" He basically said. I shrugged. "Something like that, yeah. It only comes once a year. We were going this year but.."

"I showed up?" Alec asked, his features turning emotionless again. Suddenly, I felt bed. Like maybe I shouldn't have brought this up in the first place. Nice going, Renesmee. Always a freaking blabber mouth. I didn't want Alec to feel... unwanted. I wanted him to feel the exact opposite.

"Okay then. The fair it is," Alec said abruptly, causing me to almost jump. He stood up, gently scootching out from under me. I didn't mind, after all... Guy needed his space. He pulled at his cloak, taking it right off over his head. His hair ruffled, making him look slightly.. scruffy. My stomach twisted. I liked this look..

"Let me get changed into something suitable, and then we shall be on our way. I still have your fathers keys." He flashed his teeth towards me, causing my eyes to widen with even more admiration. Rebel Alec. He was just full of surprises.

—xXx—

Alec wasn't gone for long, in fact; he was merely around five minutes. Five minutes and then we were out the door and sneaking back to the main house. Bella, Esmé and Alice were the only ones in, so we had to be very quick about this. Especially when they were all probably on red alert. Alec kept a silent train as he wandered on towards the garage; telling me to keep behind him and be quiet. Though, that was easier said than done. Especially if your name was Renesmee Carlie Cullen.

As soon as he pulled the doors open, he rushed on in; getting the car. Thankfully it started without a rev. So, I jumped on in and Alec sped off. I figured they would have heard that. The tyres screeching at the concrete while he tried to pick up speed. I hadn't even got my seatbelt on by the time we reached the main road. Alec was a pretty impressive driver when he wanted to be. If I ever decided to rob a bank, Alec would be driving the getaway car.

I managed to turn the radio on, in order to zone out my thoughts. Not that it seemed to be working; considering the song playing was from one of the 'old time classics.' About 'friends.'

Some band called 'War.' And the song 'Why can't We be friends?'

I instantly wanted to turn the damn thing off but in doing so, I'd probably get a look from Alec. Thus, I had to sit and endure the torture of it all. Though, the five miles north from Forks; we arrived to a winter like fun fair. Alec had gone at 60mph. So, we got there within five minutes. People were roaming around in coats and hats, with bags of god knows what. As soon as Alec parked the car, I was the first out and rushing to find what we could go on first. Obviously, I wanted the ferris wheel. I was a huge kid at heart. So, without a care in the world; I stood in line. Alec found me a matter of moments later; his violet eyes peering up to the large structure.

"Scared?" I mocked, wanting to make him laugh.

It worked. Alec cracked a smile, letting a muffled laugh fall out from his perfectly defined lips. Well, at least I still had my humour when it came down to things. I just hoped people in Alabama were into people with humour rather than people skills. Then again, if I got my way; Alec and I wouldn't lose contact. Ever now and then he would be able to come visit, if he got permission from Aro, of course. In some ways, I figured Aro was kinda like a father to him. Being their master and all, having to run around doing his deeds. Taking his orders. Basically a father like figure. Though, I'd hate for Alec to turn out like Aro. Apparently, he was a power hungry maniac. Alec was anything but that...

"Next," The male called. I took a step up onto the platform, watching the empty carriage swing down. I passed him two dollars then climbed in once he pulled the safety bar down. Alec climbed in beside me, resting back as the bar was put back into place.

"They believe that this bar is going to save someone from falling to their doom?" Alec scoffed. He did have a point. You could slip off the seat, fall over the side, etc. A bar is hardly the answer. Then again, it was something to grip onto to stop yourself from giving any movement what so ever. If you didn't move, you wouldn't fall.

Alec didn't need it, though. He wasn't even touching it. He was leaning back, looking off to the side as it moved up a stage. Eventually we were second from the top. The song 'Martin Solveig ft. Dragonette - Hello' from below was causing the metal of the wheel to vibrate. A normal human wouldn't have felt it, but I did. All in all, I hadn't thought it through. In a metal chair, being moved up into the air over a lake with hundreds of people below... And there was something else I might have forgotten to mention. "I'm scared of heights."

Alec turned his head to look at me, his left brow pulling up. I could see that he was fighting off a smile. Nice, Alec. Real nice. Here I am shitting myself and all you can do is laugh at me! Remind me to kick your ass later,

Though, I was taken back the moment Alec's hand took hold of mine. He gave a gentle reassuring squeeze. "Do you forget who's in the cart with you? Do you believe I would allow you to drop to your death, Reny?"

… "No."

"Then there is nothing to fear. As long as I'm here, you're perfectly safe."

Okay, this was probably childish, but who gave a shit! "Promise?"

Alec nodded his head, giving a polite friendly smile. "Promise."

I relaxed in that second. I trusted Alec's word. Swinging to the top, I was infiltrated with a million feelings. I could see high over the trees, I could see the lake with people peddling around in little boats. I could see children playing in the snow, building snowmen. Guys building ice sculptures with chainsaws. All looked amazing. And what made it even more amazing was the fact I was sharing it with him. With my only real friend in this moment in time. I hadn't heard from Jacob since our little misunderstanding, nor did I want too. If being friends with Alec too was so much of a problem for Jacob to understand, I don't think I wanted Jacob as a friend at all. Alec was the better friend than what he would ever be. Willing to put our different family choices to the side, willing to accept me as I am, allow me to show him the real meaning of life. But there would still be that little gap between us thanks to his mission. Alec had said he hadn't come to a conclusion yet, so that was a little promising.

"Have you ever felt so... free," I laughed, peering over to Alec. He was watching me, strangely. I took a deep breath of the icy air, drawing in the scent of Alec along with it. The scent of cinnamon would never grow old.

"Not until now," he replied, the left half of his lips curving. I gave a full on smile in return and looked back to the lake. It was so high. Yes, I agreed not to be scared; but that didn't actually mean I wouldn't be. Alec might have super fast reflexes and be a trained guard and what not, that still didn't mean my fears went away. It was a nice gesture of him though, albeit a out of character kind of gesture, but nice. I scooted closer to him. Then, an idea struck me as if a bolt of lightning had just cracked me square in the head. My sudden gasp and jump caused Alec to turn his attention right to me, his eyes startled and alarmed. Aw, he worried for a second..

"Picture!" I beamed. Clearly, he didn't understand my straightforward order. His brow arched.

Letting out a groan, I pushed my hand into my pocket; producing my cell phone. He continued to watch me, curiously. I had a text message from Jacob, but I ignored it. I quickly turned it to camera. "Renesmee, I'm not sure about this.."

"Oh, come on. 'You can't use the 'I won't show up in the picture' crap with me. I'm half of you, remember?"

"Does that mean only half of you shows up?" He replied, rather sarcastically.

I rolled my eyes, and nuzzled in closer. "Just give the camera my favorite smile."

Alec's eyes turned from cautious, to curious in a split second. "Your favorite smile?" he repeated.

Oh damnit. I blushed, against my own will. "Yeah, show your teeth. I like that one,"

"Why?" I still didn't dare look at him. I continued to hold the phone up; and grin like a idiot.

"Because you look... human. Cute, even."

Alec let out a small 'hmm' noise, and turned his head none the less. I leaned in more; so my cheek brushed his. Then, I hit the button. A small flash went through; and I was momentarily blinded. When my eyes recovered; Alec had my phone in his hand. Weird, I didn't feel him take it. He was looking at the screen, smiling to himself. "Would it be acceptable if I got a copy of this?"

"Sure, I'll send it to you," I grinned. "What's your number so I cant text it?"

"Oh," Alec's lips quirked in a gentle, cute smile. "I don't own a cellular phone. I meant, printed off and put in a frame, Reny."

"Really?" I blinked. It wasn't the phone thing that got me, it was what he wanted!

"But of course. Do you think we shall be able to do that?"

I nod, rather quickly. He smiled, nodding his head once. "Great.".

"Great," I repeat, taking my phone back and sliding it into my pocket. Great indeed,

—xXx—

Every now and then the cart would swing causing my nerves to sway, but thankfully; Alec's reassuring words would bring me back into a course of relaxation. I did however feel a whole lot better once our spin around came to an end and we were set free from the large wheel.

"What about that boat ride?" Alec suggested, offering me his hand. Who would I be to refuse? We looked at each other in that short minute. He face was smooth and calm. With anyone else, I would've suspected that they weren't enjoying themselves. But with Alec, that look was a total difference. Alec made it apparent when he didn't like something, or when he was made feel uncomfortable. The smooth and calm look was his mutual facade. I took his hand willingly and began to walk alongside him. I had gotten used to us just... holding one another's hands. Whether it be dragging him along, or him dragging me along, etc. But for what happened next, I was not used too. Alec entwined our fingers. I couldn't help but feel a daze set in about me, earning him a surprised and confused look.

Alec smiled. "You have the dream to thank for that one,"

"Thank you dream,"

I twisted myself closer to him automatically, rolling myself tight against his side. It took less than a second, and the whole time I was waiting for something to happen. For to feel complete and utter nothingness. But it never came. I looked at Alec's face—his eyes were normal, his mouth was in a casual smile. He was totally comfortable with me hugging into his side like... like, I hated to think it, but I did. Like his girlfriend.

Still no nothingness yet.

"So Reny, have you came up with a scene for the audition,"

I shook my head once quickly. "None are my style,"

"Your style?"

"Yeah," I muttered, "I can't do the end scene because I'm..." I toned it out, but Alec carried it on.

"not ready to have your first kiss,"

I glanced up to him quickly, and sure enough, he wasn't looking at me; just like before. I squeezed his hand, making him look to me.

"Is it... scary?" I asked.

He pulled his eyes off me and back to in front.

"That depends on whom you share it with, like I explained."

"Were you scared?"

Alec's lips curved, his eyes then again looking back to me. "Honestly?" He said, sounding playful. I nodded quickly. He let out a little chuckle. "I was petrified."

That was something I doubted I would ever hear him say. But then again, we're talking as to when Alec was a human. Well, I just assumed it would be when he was human. After all, I hardly thought there was any time for kissing when you were a Volturi guard. Plus, apparently for vampires kissing wasn't the same as it was for humans. Not soft, fleshy, liquid-filled cells to squish against each other. Just stone lips, crushing against one another in an act of hard passion. Well, that's what aunt Rose said, anyway.

With this knowledge, I decided I might as well make an attempt in cracking Alec's mystery ex-lover. "Was she... pretty?"

The breeze turned helpfully gentle, and we could hear laughter even more lighter. Alec looked away from me, and I signaled that was him going to try and remember. Well, I hoped anyway. His lips pursed in deep thought. He nodded. When he finally decided it was time to look at me, his eyes were somewhat more distant than usual. Simultaneously, Alec let out a short breath before speaking.

"I believed her to be beautiful, yes."

There was a long pause, this time I heard no sounds of laughter or human activity. I had zoned it all out Even from this distance in his eyes, I could feel the tension of his memory, and he wasn't even telling me anything yet!

"She was... my friend,"

Alec and I had not looked away from each other throughout this confession, and I could see in his eyes now that his thoughts were within this time with the mystery girl. Yes, I believed in that moment Alec had fallen in love at some point in his life. He'd had normal feelings at some point.

"I'm.. Sorry,"

That was all I managed to say before we came to a halt at the lake dock where the boats were docked. Again, this attraction had a song playing and it couldn't have fit more.

'Weezer - Island In Sun'

Again, I handed the guy two dollars and stepped into the boat. It was in the shape of a swan. Weird, but never the less; Alec stepped in after me and took a seat. We placed our feet onto the pedals and began off into the deep water.

I felt Alec's eyes on me. I glanced over at him. He was watching me curiously. "What?" I asked.

Alec shrugged. "You never really told me anything about you,"

"You never told me about you," I replied, deviously.

Alec raised an eyebrow and nodded. "Touche."

He relaxed into the seat slightly. I glanced behind us to the disappearing land. There were other people going about. Some fathers with their daughters. Teenage lovers playing about. Married couples and even an old couple; leaning into one another and holding each others hands. Just enjoying the company.

"Alright," I said, unable to take the silence. "What do you want to know?"

"Everything?"

To my dismay there was a moment of silence, and some barely audible laughter in the background.

"Alright..." I had no idea where to start. After all, it felt as if I known Alec for years. "I want to travel the world one day. I want to go to Verona and look at Juliet's Wall."

Alec's lips twitched. I hesitated for half a second before speaking. This wasn't the reaction I would have expected. Almost like the statement pleased him in some way. Unless Alec had been there before...

Alec's dark red eyes were set in front of us. His lips still curved. "What?" I half laughed.

"I've been there," Yup. I was right. I was getting good at this. Alec's different looks always meant things. "Hopefuls writing love letters, asking Juliet for advice. Rather... amusing."

I frowned, seeming offended. In fact, I was. Considering that was my plan to go to Verona in the first place. I wanted to write a letter to her. I wanted to ask advice. Ask her what it was like to fall so deeply in love with someone you shouldn't. Someone that was dangerous. And if it was a stupid mistake or if she didn't regret it and it was worth the risk. At the time, I was aiming it at Jacob and I. Since... I figured we would be intended for one another eventually. But in the time being, we were just friends. Well... Not anymore, I didn't think.

Alec looked at me and raised one eyebrow. "Would you like to know why I think it's amusing?"

I nodded warily. But my anxiety as to his answer had nothing to do with writing the letters anymore. Maybe Alec wasn't the hopeless romantic I believed him to be deep down. What if he in fact just liked reading romance novels to laugh at them. "Because I don't see what a character from a play can do about love, for that is all Juliet is. A character. Why write a letter asking about love to someone who does not exist? Wouldn't it be much wiser to just.. Tell the person you are writing about how you felt, rather than bottling it up in some old wall for nil hope of a reply."

Alec, to my annoyance, spoke the truth. This knowledge spun everything in my head. Alec was a hopeless romantic, but in his own way. If he felt something, he would say it. I guessed..

"But aside from that.. The others declaring their love for one another is.." Wait for it, wait for it... He'll redeem himself and make himself seem more human. "Cute."

Ahaha! Cute! I couldn't help but laugh. After all, it's not everyday you got a Volturi member to admit that he thought something was cute. I took this as a personal achievement.

In the end, I just rested my head against his shoulder having received a glaring look at my laughter. We hovered around the lake for a couple more moments, I droned on about my likes and dislikes. Alec set in a comment here or there. We laughed a few times and sadly, it came to an end. Alec was the first out of the boat, he took my hand and pulled me out. I thanked the guy and took hold of Alec's hand yet again.

"Well," Alec then said. "We have time to do one more thing."

Okay, there was the struggle. The fair was offering a bike ride or ice skating. There was a push and pull between both segments. If we were to go ice skating, I'd hold his hand. If we were to go bike riding, I'd be able to see Alec looking like a human. But then there were downers on them both. If we were to ice skate, I'd most probably fall causing myself to look like an ass. If we went on the bikes, I'd not get to touch him. I think that one answered itself.

"Ice skating." I said quickly.

Alec bowed his head, chuckling. The hairs rose on the back of her neck. She still hadn't gotten used to how heavily he looked when he chuckled. How peaceful. Nothing would be able to compare to that look. Whatever did would need an award.

He entwined our fingers in a delicate move, pulling me along towards the stall as to where the large ice rink was plastered down onto the floor. People were all up ahead, roaming around. Videoing family, children, etc skating about. Probably in hope to catch a funny moment that will live on through the years. As we walked on past, Alec pulled me to a stop at a stall. I stared at him in surprise, but was totally mind blown at what he did next. Alec pulled out a dollar and fifty cent from his own pants and handed it to a young girl on the stall. She turned around for half a second and returned with a stick; with a large swirl of puffy pink cotton candy. He took it from her hand, thanked her then passed it to me!

I gratefully took it without any hesitance. A day that had started with complete and utter misery had now turned into one of the best days ever. I pulled lumps off the sweet and sticky pink swirl of goodness and popped them into my mouth. Alec just watched with a obliged smile.

Being around him was... easy. Simple. This is what friendship was meant to feel like. Not a constant feeling of competition. That's what it felt like with Ivy. But who was I kidding? Ivy might of been a little hard to get along with, a little annoying and a complete and utter bitch at times... But she was still my friend. She would forever be my friend. Well, at least, I believed so. Her thoughts on things might be different.

"Have you ever skated before?" Alec asked, paying the guy and getting the skates. He then sat himself down onto the bench, which I followed. I'd sit here and finish the cotton candy before getting onto the ice. I figured Alec thought the same, since he didn't start putting his skates on.

"Once or twice.. maybe. When I was little." I merely stated, taking a bit of the candy yet again. It vanished upon my tongue. Bit after bit, the stick soon became just that. A stick. I tossed the thing into the bin and began to change into my skates. Alec did the same. Once his were on, Alec stood; got used to the feeling of walking on blades and crouched down. I was about to ask what he was doing but my question was silently answered anyway. Alec tightened my laces; tied them and then stood again, offering his hand. I took it, eagerly ready to get onto the ice.

This would be another thing to write down. I got Alec of the Volturi to take me ice skating. Yup, bow down to me people who fear him. I smirked to myself while Alec took a step onto the ice and gracefully turned so that he was facing me fully. One hand in mine, the other out ready to take my other hand. I set my foot into the ice and sadly, almost slipped. I grabbed his other hand as quickly as I could; pulled him closer and wrapped my arms around him. A secure wall, I figured. If I clung to Alec, I wouldn't fall.

Alec was laughing, his hands holding my arms that clung to him in a death grip. "Come on, Reny." He said playfully. "Time to let go now."

I shook my head, gripping him tighter. "No."

"Five points."

"No."

Alec groaned, still out of laughter. "I'll come watch your play when you get a part."

Okay, there was an offer I couldn't refuse. Alec was a Romeo and Juliet egghead. He loved it. So, him watching would make me nervous; but at least we'd have the best critic out there. Slowly, I moved out of his chest; nodding.

"Okay, but keep hold of my hand."

"Alright.."

"Don't let go,"

There was a devious little look within Alec's eyes. I instantly regretted saying what I did. "Never."

He had used my dream in order to cause my cheeks to flush. Somehow, my dream was coming true. Granted, we weren't swimming. But we were on water... Frozen water. He entwined out fingers again, taking gentle strides along and gliding me across the ice also. Eventually, I got the jist of it. He'd spin me around every now and then, causing me to shriek. What else would I have done? I was unstable on my feet and he was spinning me around like I was some professional ice skater. He might have been graceful on the ice, but I wasn't. I was regretting the ice skating and beginning to wish I had chosen the bike ride instead.

"Alec, I think we should get going now. We can watch a movie or something in the cottage," I said quickly, still gripping at his hand. Alec scoffed, nodding.

Alec then gently pulled me towards the exit; picking me up and putting me onto the ground where I couldn't slip. He stepped off so casually, as if he weren't even on blades! That was one thing I would willingly admit to being jealous of Alec. How he could be so graceful even on freaking ice. I kicked off the blades, handed them back and rushed on towards the car. Truth be told, I was getting cold. The sun was beginning to fall from the sky, so Edward and Grandpa would be returning from the hospital anytime soon. We had to get the car back as quickly as we could; then set on not getting caught by my other family members as well.

Alec wasn't long to follow. He walked at a human pace towards the car, flowing out of the other human's roaming around still. When he reached the car, he opened it up and climbed inside. I copied his actions as best as I could. Buckling up, I turned on the heater. I caught the little glance he gave me. It basically said it all. He knew I was cold.

He didn't bother travelling the 20mph we should have been. He did the same as what he had done when on the way to the lake. Within five minutes, we were at the house. Parked and locked as if we had never taken my father's baby from the garage. Grandpa's car wasn't there, so they weren't home. We still had to be quiet though. The others were home. As soon as we shut the car doors, we had to run off into a large sprint. I didn't know if they came out to see what the noise was, well... They probably knew anyway. But I wasn't one to look behind and make sure. I wasn't risking getting caught yet. I'd get a bollocking when I got home, though.

Alec pushed open the cottage door, still laughing due to my little slip over a log. He had caught me, but it wasn't the point. I moved in past him, for he was holding the door open for me. Alec could be such a gentleman, even when he was being a dick. I fell onto the sofa instantly, coming to grips with how tired I actually was. Today had been a long day, and to my surprise, Alec had done a good job at keeping my mind off the events that happened during the morning.

"Well, that shall be an experience I shall not forget." Alec smiled, walking on past. He was pulling the jumper he had on off. "Why don't you pick a film," Film. Aw, Alec could be cute when he wanted. "while I change into something more comfortable."

I knew what comfortable was. His cloak. His Volturi garments. His uniform, basically. I figured this was what made him feel... powerful. Showing off to everyone else which coven he was from. When in normal clothes, he was looked at as a normal teenager. As a normal human being. But in his cloak; with his necklace in show; it showed his true power to every vampire. It showed how dangerous he could be, of who his family were. Of who he was.

Alec wandered out of sight, leaving me to try and compose myself to be remotely attractive once again. I fretted about with my hair, insisting that it would sit at the right side angle. Though, while I messed about; laying upon the coffee table was Alec's book, Hamlet. He had put it there some point in my consistent sobbing during the events of the morning I figured. No one had been in the cottage while we were away? I would have guessed Bella would have been right in there as soon as she had the knowledge Alec wasn't about. To get things she might have forgotten. Oh well. I continued to look at the book, grinning. I was glad he was taking a interest in my gift. But beside it was paper. Paper with little dabbles upon them. The top page, squinted to the side with the book on top caught my attention with the little drawing. I glanced over my shoulder towards the bathroom Alec had vanished into. It wouldn't hurt to look, right?

Pushing the book to the side, I took hold of the three pieces of paper; piling them under one another. It'd at the top one first, then make my way through them all. Good plan, I figured.

The top one was a babble of sunlight. The bottom half of the page had descended into a doodle of a tiny man giving the middle finger to a giant, angry eagle with razor-sharp talons. Personally, I believed the tiny drawing to be rather... well layed out. It was detailed to the max. Almost realistic. Beneath it, the caption: To Mock a Killing Bird.

I had to hold back the laugh wanting to erupt from the pit of my stomach. Who knew Alec could be so... Poetically funny. Changing a classic book into a caption of hilarity.

I placed the paper down onto the table. Turning my attention to the second page. It was another drawing, more detailed than the one before it. It was a woman. A old fashioned woman, by the looks of her dress; that had been sketched in with hints of purple. Her hair was a midnight black and eyes that were enough to give anyone heartache. Her lips were full, and her cheekbones defined. She stood under a tree yielding onto a single flower. Behind her the scenery of what looked like a village. Beneath this one, the caption read: E.C; Never forgotten.

Never forgotten. What did that mean? And who with this E.C. At first, I thought 'Dad.' But why would he mention dad under a picture of a woman? Did I really want to know who this woman was? Yup. Gently, I placed that picture onto the table also. Then, letting my eyes meet the last page I was left stunned.

Me.

A defined sketch of me sitting with my hand on my chin, eyes sparkling from what I could tell. That was the main one. Scattered all around it was drawings of what I could only imagine was other parts of my face. My lips, curved. My eyes in another corner, more detailed. My hair...

"Curiosity killed the cat,"

I jumped out of my skin, dropping the page to my feet. Alec stood behind the sofa, again wearing his cloak. "I was just... Sorry,"

"Don't be," he chuckled, coming to my side and picking the paper up and putting it down with the others. Okay, to look like less of an ass... Compliment his work!

"You're really good, by the way."

He chuckled, shrugging. "It's more of a hobby than a profession. It's rare I allow myself to draw,"

"Why?"

"My sister likes to take up most of my time,"

Understandable. After all, she was all he had left. "Was this... E.C the girl you were on about at the lake?"

Alec's brows furrowed, resting back into the seat beside mine. I turned my body so I was facing him. His lips curved in a half a second. "You mean the one I shared my first kiss with?"

I nodded. Alec shook his head. Damnit. For a short moment there, I believed I had just gotten a glimpse of the girl he had shared a romantic interest in. Talk about shooting a dog while it was down. I found myself frowning, for some strange reason. "Then who is that?" I asked before I could even stop myself.

Alec glanced to the paper, leaning forward and moving the other two on top to the side; so that the picture of the beautiful woman clutching onto a single flower was on display. "This one?"

He looked towards me. Again, I nodded.

Alec's eyes flicked between me and the painting. His lips parted and I could have fainted with what came out.

"This," he paused; picking it up and bringing it to infront of both of us. "Is my mother. Edith Cecil."

A/N:

SO SO SO SO SO SORRY GUYS!

I was working late and ended up sleeping PAST 3pm! I know, lazy shit. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this. As for the winner at getting the 155th Review, I'm granting you a single wish! J.K: What would you like most?

A; A Reneslec Kiss, premature to what I have planned.

Or:

B; Something written in ALEC'S POV.

The choice is entirely up to you. Also, I have numbered all of the anon's names who's reviewed and put it in a number generator; picked at random it gave me the number of one of you guys names! That name will be used in this fanfic, as a character. :)

Hope I treated you well. Anyway, review. (:

-C.H