Chapter eighteen: Dirty dancing.

I wasn't sure what had clicked inside of my mind; but something had. I was on the train of thought of Alec, as usual, when it came up. Finn was talking to me, but I wasn't entirely listening. Then I remembered Alec's words... He didn't trust Finn; which clearly meant he didn't entirely like him.

Well, there wasn't any 'entirely' about it. Alec just didn't like Finn; and throughout the whole day I sat wondering why. He was funny, he was sweet, he was kind... He was everything Alec believed that he wasn't himself - even though I knew different. Alec wanted me to move on; I knew that. He had said it often enough for it to eventually set in; but what exactly did he want me to move on too?

He was jealous when he believed it was Gary who I had moved on with - jealous enough to argue with me over it - and now he was warning me off Finn. Whiplash was at a high possibility in setting in. At some point, I sort of figured that if he... Was provoked enough; he'd not only come out and be by my side again; but he'd tell me why he didn't like Finn.

It may be for a completely different reason as to why I believe he said he didn't trust him; or it could be because he did still care for me enough to hate the possibility of me moving on, despite how much he told me he wanted me too.

Alec was a strange individual. He could say one thing, and mean something else entirely. It was all about picking out certain things to understand what he really meant. With this case, I couldn't seem to pinpoint it. Hence the 'great' idea of trying to provoke it out of him. I know it might've seemed like I was using Finn, but when it came to Alec... I'd do anything.

He didn't really say anything else for the entire day. He just... Was there. In with the group. I'd often see him practically ignoring anyone who tried to talk to him. At first, I thought it was rude; but then when I saw that he actually had been lost in his own train of thought... I found it funny. Especially since the person who tried to talk to him the most was Charlie - and despite all of her obvious advances, Alec was none the wiser. He was completely oblivious as to what she was doing, saying or hinting at.

Before I knew it, Thursday morning had come and gone with a long assed shopping trip - not that I went. Truthfully, I felt as though I needed some rest. And that's what I did. I showered, ate a little, and then attended the second half of the English Lit class. When that came to an end, I lay on my bed for hours on end and just... Slept.

I slept the longest I had done in a long time. Perhaps it was because I knew he was watching? And he was out there... Somewhere. Besides, me staying on the campus; within my room, it gave Alec the perfect opportunity to feed. It was most likely going to be one of the other two - Demetri or Felix - watching over me. Even then, I felt more relaxed than I ever had. It was as if the threats that awaited me out there couldn't get to me.

I awoken to the sound of Lana barging into the room and tossing bags onto my bed. Gary followed in after her - which confused me. Were they even allowed in the rooms? I supposed that wouldn't stop them anyway.. - and greeted me with a sheepish smile. That conversation was a strange one.

Apparently, Finn continuously asked Lana about me.

I was aware that Finn... Sorta liked me, I guess; but I didn't think he'd broadcast it to Lana - who was still very much in love with him. Although it was wrong, I couldn't help but get butterflies when she'd say it over and over. Someone like Finn, so perfect... Almost in a Mary-sue sort of way, wanted me? With all my flaws, and my quirks. I'd never let Lana know that though. I knew how it felt to love someone, and not have them love you back.

Charlie, and some of the other girls were off helping Finn and his friends set up for the party. Lana had gone to join them after our talk, or more so 'bitch' should I say.

Gary stayed with me and went through what he had bought for himself after he took me to Lunch. I was surprised with his choice, truthfully. I half expected him to buy himself a tutu, or something crazy like that.

But he had done good with getting a purple shirt, and black skinny jeans. The boys he paid attention too - or girls, depending if he was going to play this out - at this party would be lucky ones indeed.

It wasn't until Gary and I made our way out for dinner - since he believed it would be best to 'line our stomachs' with something before the liquor hit them, however I'd be damned if I were drinking. I wasn't going to stop the others having their fun, but I didn't want to get drunk. Not after the last time I'd fallen for the temptations and made a fool out of myself. - that I got to see Alec again.

He must've gone out hunting, since when we entered the cafeteria and he looked up; his eyes were a vivid violet. So easy to pick out from the blues, greens, hazels, and browns. He greeted us with a gentle smile, and motioned for us to come join him. In front of him was an empty plate; while his hand rested beside a half drunken water bottle.

He was giving the appearance that he had ate. Gary went up to get food, while I sat beside Alec sheepishly.

"Hello." Alec finally spoke.

"Hi."

"Sleep well?"

I shot him a small glance.

"You looked well rested." Alec shrugged. "You must've needed it. Even when I came by yesterday to check on you... You were out like a light."

He must've wanted my reaction; due to the smile that came to his face. I blushed, and hid my face from him. "I was tired."

"Understandable due to the circumstances. Relaxing in a time like this isn't really possible."

He was talking about Lilianna, wasn't he? Of course he was. That was the only circumstance he went on about.

"Did you eat well?" I motioned to his plate, though he knew what I really meant.

"I did." Alec nodded. "Which reminds me, your family send their love."

"You saw my family?"

Alec nodded his head. "I'll explain to you later."

I knew he would. Even though he didn't really have too, I knew he would. I was beginning to like this. Alec sharing things with me... Keeping me in with everything going on; even though I knew my parents probably wouldn't want me to know. He was treating me like an adult with a right to know these things. They did involve me, after all. It wasn't just their lives on the line; it was mine too. It was all of ours. No matter how I was to look at this; be it in their point of view, or the Volturi's, I still came to the conclusion that I should know.

I nodded with a gentle smile, just as Gary set his tray down and passed a plate to me.

"Would have gotten you something; but you've already ate." Gary said towards Alec, nodding his head towards the empty plate.

I began to suspect that this plate was already there when he had sat down. He was using it as a prop. That smart little shit...

"Thank you anyway, Gary." Alec said.

"Don't mention it. So, you excited about tonight?"

And thus, the conversation began to flow between Alec and Gary. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't keep up with them. To my surprise, Alec seemed interested in everything Gary said. How was it possible that he could keep Alec's interest? Alec was only ever interested in logical and... Well boring, conversations. Yet, Gary seemed to be displaying that too.

They both didn't even so much as blink when I stood up - after seeing Lana and Charlie waving for me to come with them at the door - to leave. I could feel Alec's eyes on me as I made my departure, however. At the girls side, they began to go on about how Gary had picked a 'cute' outfit - that one was Charlie, obviously. Since Lana was well aware of Gary's true status - and Lana began to talk about how the house looked amazing with all the lights and decorations.

Apparently, Finn's party was the talk of the campus. Even people who already attended the College were coming, just to attend his party. If I wasn't so sure about Finn's popularity status before, I certainly was now.

The two girls, and eventually the others too, all piled into the one room and began to change and get ready for this party. It didn't start until seven! I glances towards the clock.

6:30.

Well, I guess I could see why they were all stressing. They only had thirty minutes to get ready and pile on the makeup. Yet here I was sitting on the bed, idly picking out the top I had bought with Gary - the white one with the chain shoulder - and a pair of black jeans. There was no need to get all dressed up for just a little party; where the chances of things getting spit on your favorite dress was possible. Getting dressed was easy for me. A change of shirt, a new pair of jeans and my flat shoes.

The girls did look beautiful, however. Be it with their fake hair, fake eyelashes, or the makeup that made them seem as if they were glowing.

"Aren't you getting dressed?" Lana asked as she held up the skater dress. Charlie was behind her; pulling the zipper up. Behind her, another girl was doing up Charlie's buttons.

I glanced down to myself. I was wearing what I was going to wear already.

"I am?"

Charlie's eyes widened. "Aren't you going to do your hair?"

"Or your makeup?"

"Flat shoes? Where's the high heels?"

So many questions all at once caused my head to hurt. What did they mean by all of that? Didn't I look alright the way I did?

"I guess I was just... Waiting to see if you guys would like to help?" I tried to save my own skin.

All of their faces and hair seemed to be done; and all that was left for them to button themselves up. In the moment I gave them free rein on helping me, they each grinned so largely it made my stomach twist uncomfortably.

"We thought you'd never ask!"

And just like that, the herde closed in.

—xXx—

The whistling of the wind filled in with the silence. Truthfully, if someone didn't speak soon; Delilah felt as though she was going to explode. She understood that this was a lot to process; but she'd have thought someone would have something to say. Hell, she would even feel greatful if they were to yell at her. But not even that happened.

They were in their usual place on top of the building Scott had been so enchanted with. How Scott had been able to talk Lilianna into letting them out on their own, Delilah would never understand. Although it must've hurt Mary's feelings; Scott had insisted that she stay behind with Shay and Lilianna.

Meaning Delilah was in a partial circle made up of Damien, Ryan and Scott.

Looking as though they were struggling to take in what was happening. Scott was just as bad as the others, even though he already knew most of the basics of what had gone on.

In order for them to understand, Delilah had to show them everything. Which, it had taken a while. To show each of the images, the memories she had of meeting with the Volturi, took longer than what she had wanted. All she could do was relive it with them; watch their faces. Especially Ryan's, who sneered in anger when Alec had pinned Delilah to the wall by her throat. Even Damien had been a little angered by that, for a wave of irritation washed over them.

Though, once she had explained it in full detail - with the help of Scott, they were all deemed into a silence. Each of them trying to understand it by themselves, in their own way.

This had been the quietest Delilah had ever seen Ryan in. Damien was practically always silent, so there was no real difference there. But Ryan... Ryan's lack of outbursts was what worried her. Why wasn't he ranting? Why wasn't he screaming at her, and telling her she was stupid for doing this without him?

There had been a part of her that thought that too. There had been so many things she wanted to tell her, but she didn't know how to make him see; let him see the truth she had thought was impossible. She had been convinced that he would turn away from her. In their own ways, each of them were loyal to Lilianna. The fact she was betraying her; that was what had stopped Delilah from telling them straight away. She had been scared on what their reaction would have been.

But now, their lack of reaction was what scared her.

"You could say something..." Delilah whispered, brushing her hair out of her face; due to the wind blowing it in front of her eyes.

"What is there to say, Delly?" Ryan was the one to answer. The relief she felt hearing his voice was unbelievable. She was worried she was going to forget what his voice sounded like. "You've already done this without coming to us."

"I know, but there was nothing else I could have done."

"You could have talked to us..." Scott said idly. "Before involving us all like this."

"We were already involved by the looks of it," Damien quickly stood at Delilah's side. "It's clear now that the only intention she has for us it too... Send off into battle."

Ryan nodded his head and glanced down to his feet. "Funny how she can make us feel special; like we're worth something. Welcoming us into the house, into the family... Yet her only use for us is being pawns in her little war."

"That wasn't her intentions to begin with," Scott tried to stand up for his creator, though even he couldn't hide the uncertainty in his voice. All of them knew the truth. The ones Lilianna had created after Volterra were the ones she didn't really care for. They were just her army, more or less.

And the fact Ryan was one of those... It bothered Delilah to no end. Ryan was much more than a mere soldier. He meant so much more to her, to them all! He was the one who reminded them all they had once been human. He had his quirks, he had his flaws; but he didn't let that stop him. He reminded them all what it was like to live; and he was Delilah's reason to keep on going.

She would never change what she had done for any of them. If she was able to go back in time; she would do what she had over and over again. She would always look out for her family.

"So that's the reason you talked her out of starting it so soon?" Scott asked. "Because Alec asked you too?"

Delilah nodded. "He's sent for his master. For his whole coven..."

The looks on all their faces, if it were possible, paled. The Volturi were the largest coven known to their world. Most, if not all, holding exceptional talents. From paralysis, to emotional bonds, to mind reading... It all went on. Against a coven so grand in size, and so special; each of them knew they didn't stand a chance. Especially if they were going to team up with the Cullen's.

That would only increase their numbers. Increase their chances at destroying Lilianna's coven.

They might outnumber the Cullen's on their own; but the Volturi and the Cullen's combined?

None of them would dare think of the results that could ensure.

"So what are we going to do?" Ryan asked aloud, looking to each of them. "I mean... Shit. Aren't you guys the least bit worried?"

"Of course we are." Scott agreed. "But what can we do?"

"What're you asking me for?" Ryan frowned. "You're one of the original chosen ones. You tell me."

Damien was pursing his lips while this little spat went on between his two 'brothers.' Delilah couldn't help but watch him as he stood up and began to walk around the building top. He was thinking up something, Delilah could tell.

But what he was; she couldn't figure out.

"There is no way in hell we are telling Lilianna about this." Ryan's voice said over Delilah's train of thought.

"I never said we were! I just asked what about the others?" Scott hissed back. Honestly, those two could really argue when they put the effort into it.

"Well we can't tell them either. The house will go into anarchy. It's bad enough now, even with Damien calming them all down; and Mary using her manipulation shit to make them behave. If they knew about this, then it'll all go to hell." Ryan scratched at the back of his head. He was trying to contain his voice, but it wasn't really working out.

"We can't tell Mary? Or Shay?" Scott didn't seem to like the sound of that. Having to keep something from his mate? Delilah knew that it would bother him. It had bothered her keeping this from Ryan for so long, so obviously he would feel obliged into telling Mary. It did involve her, after all.

"Think about it Scott. Who is the most loyal to Lily?" Ryan pressed with an arched eyebrow. "Who literally kisses the floor she walks on, and loves her like the sister she's always wanted?"

... Ryan did have a point.

And Scott knew it too.

"As for Shay, she wouldn't be so bad. She can't really talk now, but we can't be risky."

"Frisky?" Scott frowned. "This ain't about that!"

"I said risky, you idiot!"

"This is all a game..." Damien spoke up. The two boys, who were literally close to boxing, looked up at him. Delilah was looking up to his stance also; somewhat in awe at how he was keeping his calm. "We're pieces of her game. Remember that conversation we had, Delilah? About who to play for.."

Delilah gently nodded her head.

"Without even knowing it, it seems as though Delilah has picked her side. And as her family, we have to stand by her choice. All we can do is believe that this side is indeed the winning side."

Delilah glanced towards Ryan and Scott. Their faces were a mixture of confusion, agreement, and downright annoyance. Probably because neither of them had come up with that themselves.

"Unless you wish to stand beside Lilianna, and face Delilah on the opposite side of the battle field. If Lilianna were to see that, she would expect us to destroy her."

"Never!" Ryan quickly hissed. His hands balled into fists. "That isn't ever happening."

Although the time was inappropriate, Delilah's stomach fluttered. Even when the anger and dedication in protecting them - protecting her - had gone, and his face returned to its usual self, that tingly feeling in the pit of her stomach was still there.

"Then it's settled. We're with Delilah on this one."

"Until the end." Scott nodded.

"Until the end." Ryan nodded also.

Delilah, with a sorrow filled smile, whispered the same words they had.

"So, Delilah; tell us what's going to happen." Damien crouched himself down into the circle again. With all the attention now on her, Delilah inhaled deeply.

She wasn't alone on this any more. Her family had her back. Until the end.

—xXx—

This look wasn't my thing. For one, I could hardly walk. The shoes they had managed to pillage the house and find in my size were around six inches too big for me. I liked my feet on the floor; firmly, able to walk, with no chances of breaking my ankle. I envied the girls who were able to walk happily in heels, completely used to it and confident in the height. Aunt Rosalie was one of those girls.

Her shoe collection had always amazed me as a child. Mainly because when I had tried them on, I couldn't even stand. Yet there was Rose; able to dance and walk around in them as if they were flat. Aunt Rosalie was definition of elegance and beauty - no one could deny that. Yes, she had her little... Mishaps where she would appear shallow and mean, but she had a heart of gold. She truly did love those who came into her life, and would stand beside them to the death.

Even dad; who she didn't get along all that well with. Grandpa had told me that even before I was born, aunt Rose and my father hadn't ever really seen eye to eye. I guess some things never changed, huh?

I wondered how they were doing; since Alec had already seen them. One by one, the girls began to disappear from the room and take off for the party. The few who remained were waiting on their dates, so it seemed. Even Lana was sitting on my bed, fiddling with a stand of her hair nervously.

What did she have to be nervous about? Everyone already loved her.

"You okay?" I decided it would be best if I just asked her.

"No." She turned her eyes to me. "I'm freaking out."

"Why?"

"... Promise you won't tell anyone?"

Who the hell was there for me to tell besides Gary? I wasn't close enough to go running to the other girls and tell them; not that I would do that in the first place. Lana was my friend, and I valued her secrets. "Promise."

"You know... Tuesday?"

I nodded.

"Well, we said we weren't going to tell anyone; but it's been eating me up inside and I can trust you, right?" She didn't wait for me to answer her before she continued. "I slept with Finn again."

Wait a minute...

Tuesday was the night Alec came to my room. Tuesday was the night Finn had tried to kiss me, and asked me to be his date to this party. Tuesday was when... Lana seemed more happier than she ever had. Was it possible the reason she was happy was because she'd made plans to be with Finn?

I don't think Lana would ever lie to me. We had grown close rather quickly. She had been one of the first people to accept me after moving here two years ago. But then again... It wouldn't be the first time she lied to get a boy. She had told me things in the past, things she regretted doing in order to gain the attention of guys she liked; but she always said her heart belonged to one, and one only.

She never told me who that was; but it was clear now.

It was Finn. He had been the one to take her virginity. He had been the one who introduced her into the life of being an adult. Of course Lana would fall head over heals for her first time. I had for mine, but I fell for him way before we ended up in bed together. It was possible that was the same scenario for Lana.

"You did?" I asked, a little taken back. I wanted to believe that she wouldn't lie to me, but with the stories of the past; I wasn't so sure. Finn hadn't mentioned it at all. Why would he ask me to be his date, when he had Lana in his bed? It just... Didn't make any sense.

Finn didn't seem like that sort of guy. He was kind, smart, thoughtful, sweet and funny... The list went on and on. There was no way in hell he would actually do something like that... Would he?

"Uh-huh. Tonight, I think I'm going to try and talk to him about what we are..." She giggled to herself. "Maybe try and make a go of something."

There was nothing else I could say, other than: "Congratulations, I guess? And good luck.."

Lana parted her lips to answer me when the room door burst open.

"There's my two beauty queens," Gary entered the room and gave a twirl of his own. "Do I look like sex on legs or what?"

"Totally." Lana stood up from the bed and give him a kiss on the cheek. Though, it was more of a 'air kiss' since Gary refused to let her painted red lips touch his face.

"Finn's outside waitin' on you. Better get your ass in gear, girl."

Lana made a loud squeal and took off out of the room; not even bothering to say anything to me. I let out a sigh, and focused on Gary. He had closed the door and was watching me. His eyes scanning over my features, while his lips pursed.

His hair was all styled out in flicks. Spiked and messy looking. He really was good at style, wasn't he? I gave him a sheepish smile as I remained on the bed.

"You look smokin." Gary commented.

"You think? I just let them... Have at it."

"You can tell." Gary laughed. "It's... Different. It's nice, but it's not really... You."

Yeah, I thought that too. When I had looked in the mirror; the dark red lips only reminded me of what it would be like if I had just ripped into a human's throat. The smokey eye shadow around my eyes added to the whole 'ideal-vampiristic' look I had in mind for the Volturi.

All I was missing was the blazing red eyes, and that... Necklace I once wore. That was now dangling proudly from it's original owners neck. Alec did it better justice than I'd ever be able too. He had the look of a Volturi member. The sex appeal alongside the complete look of danger and death. He belonged with the Volturi; and thus that necklace belonged with him.

No matter how much I kinda loved that thing...

"It'll do for tonight," I shrugged my shoulders gently. "Too late to change anything now."

"Speakin' of change." Gary glanced to the door behind him again. "You don't seem hyped. Something wrong?"

I was just about shake my head, however; the concept of Finn came to mind. I know I had originally thought of... Using him to make Alec jealous, but the prospect that he may actually like me... I don't know. I liked the thought of being wanted by someone. Someone normal. It made me feel normal. As if all this crap with Alec hadn't happened, and I was a normal girl.

"Finn's taking Lana to the party?" I asked.

"Yeah, she asked him on... Wednesday, I think. Not too sure." Gary shrugged. "Wouldn't worry about it though. The guy's got the serious hots for you. Always hinting at me to break it off with you and stuff."

"He does?" A smile came to my lips.

"You kidding? You're probably the only one I've seen him take a real interest in, in a long time Roo."

I was lost in my own little world of smiles. Looking down to my hands and fiddling with the length of them; along with the coated color of black and red. Nail polish really wasn't me, but the girls had insisted.

"Talking of interest... Alec wants to talk to you."

My head peaked up at him automatically. "Where is he?"

"Outside this door. Why d'you think I've been keeping it quiet?"

Not as if that would help anyway! Alec could hear us no matter where he was. "Oh, I guess I can talk to him."

"I'll meet you downstairs, alright?"

For some weird reason, I got the bright idea to suggest otherwise. "You could meet me at the party? Alec knows how to talk... So I don't know how long I'll be."

Gary, surprisingly, smiled at me. "Really?"

I nodded. "Yeah. Just remember to save me a dance."

"Honey, you'll be the only girl I dance with." He pursed the lips and kissed the air; more or less motioning that he was intending to kiss me. I let out a giggle and watched as he opened the door, said something and stepped to the side.

Alec come from around the corner, greeting me with a gentle nod. Behind him, Gary was pulling faces. His eyes rolling, and his hand fanning his face. Of course he would find Alec attractive. He was the very definition of the word.

Alec must've caught on to me looking behind him, and grinning insanely. He peered over his shoulder, causing Gary to go stiff and his hand to fall to his side. He smiled in a friendly manner, and backed out of the room; closing the door behind him - but not without sending me another look, and mouthing 'so hot.'

The door clicked to a close, and we both listened to Gary's footsteps descend downstairs.

"You're not going to yell at me, are you?" I whispered.

Alec frowned, and tilted his head to the left. "Why would I yell at you?"

"The last time you were in here... You yelled at me."

Alec's eyes fell to the floor as he let out a deep, heavy sigh. I watched as he made his way over to me, and sat on the edge of the bed. "I'm not going to yell at you."

Well, good.

"You look beautiful." Alec said with a bow of his head.

I looked beautiful? I looked like a... Well, a vampire. I supposed I was, but I was only half. Perhaps this is what Alec was used to seeing? Women with ripe crimson red lips, shadowed eyes and long slender legs. Although I knew this look wasn't really me... I could see why people would be attracted to it. Why had Alec gone for me, when there were women out there that looked like what I was currently pretending to be? I was a bookish, hoody wearing, goofy, loud and stubborn girl. This was the look of a woman.

Although I was basically a woman now... I still felt like a mere girl.

"You look beautiful too." But then again, you always look beautiful.

Truthfully, he did. Black shirt, black pants and dressy shoes. The coat that clung to his body was new to me; and I didn't want to think where he had gotten it from. Probably his last victim.

But that wasn't what made me breathless. There was another layer, under his jacket and over his shirt. He was wearing a waistcoat - like usual - but this wasn't any waistcoat. This was the waistcoat we had picked out together in Port Angeles...

His necklace was visible too. Hanging there in the middle of his chest, shining in the dim light of the room.

Alec scoffed, and cleared his throat. "I told you I'd inform you what's happened."

My interest picked up in remembrance. He did say he'd tell me later, after telling me he had spoken with my mother and father!

I nodded rather frantically, causing a curl to fall from behind my ear. I went to reach up, however; Alec beat me too it. In a slow, sensual move, he managed to whisk the strand back into it's place. "So excitable. It really isn't that much of a story, Reny."

His use of my nickname still managed to send chills through my body.

"Delilah met with my sister, and unfortunately; one of her coven members followed her."

The dread automatically took over my face as I stared at him.

"Don't worry. It wasn't her."

Well, that made me relax a little bit. At least it wasn't the she-devil. "Thankfully, this stalker was one of the few who Delilah wished to protect... He's agreed to go along with Delilah's wishes so far, and from what I gathered; they are going to involve a few of the others also. Your father had been one of the ones helping Jane... And in this meeting, he was present."

So, with her telling them what's going on... Did that mean things were about to kick off? This wasn't just some scary dream after all? Things were going to get dangerous after all?

"You look so worried. Don't be. No one will ever hurt you..." Alec promised, then quickly added: "Or your family while I'm around. Alright?"

I nodded my head gently, unable to think of anything else to do. I could trust him. Alec was good at his job, and this was exactly what he was meant for. He had lived hundreds of years before me, my parents and even my grandparents. He was highly skilled in training, and he knew what he was doing. Alec looked as though he was about to say something else, but shook it off quickly.

"Would you like for me to escort you to the party?" Alec then asked. Was that what he wanted to tell me? Or was he once again hiding something from me? I... I didn't want to think that he was doing that. After all, it would only cause problems. The last thing we needed was another god damn argument.

"I'd... I'd like that."

He gave me a gentle smile and stood himself up. After brushing down his chest, Alec sent out a hand.

I quickly took it, and with his aid, got up from the bed. I was thankful he was there, since I was sure I'd have broken my neck with these damn shoes. I caught Alec looking at them sceptically; but he didn't say anything. Always the damn gentleman.

Alec continued to help me out of the room and down the stairs, never once letting go of my hand. When we had gone downstairs, there was practically no one there; apart from the odd few who were refusing to go at this time, and would turn up later. Understandable, since there was literally no end to this party.

He held the door open for me, and helped me outside; then down the little porch stairs. He linked his arm with mine as we made our way down the pathway, and then the sidewalk. In the distance, there was the vivid sound of music. There was only one place that could be.

Alec kept the conversation light, and happy.

Oddly enough, it didn't feel uncomfortable. You'd think that two ex's attending a party together wouldn't act the way we would; nor have so much to say. He asked me about things I didn't think he cared about, like how I got on at my new school, how it was making new friends... And he even asked about Ivy and the others.

I had almost forgotten just how close Alec had gotten to those human's. He seemed pleasantly pleased with the knowledge of the engagement between Ivy and Chris. Said something along the lines of 'I knew it was going to happen sooner or later.'

He didn't say what I had, though. When I first heard of their engagement, I had more or less demanded a invite. I guess Alec had attended enough weddings to do him a countless lifetimes. Or perhaps he hadn't, because he just wasn't interested enough in attending any?

The location of the party was practically impossible to miss. Following the sound of the music, along with the countless people also making their way there - all dressed up in their get up. Some of the girls that were attending... I was positive there hadn't been a skirt on one of them; but there had been. It was just... Severely small - the house was illuminated with lights and people outside. A group of smokers by the side of the house; dancing teenagers on the front lawn, the doors and windows wide open; revealing more teenagers inside; being illuminated by the flashing lights.

There was a stench of alcohol in the air, along with... As expected, drugs; but all in all... It really did look like everyone was having fun. There was even that one moron trying to climb onto the roof! And here I thought that only happened in movies.

Alec lead me into the house; and oddly kept hold of my arm tightly. Not that I was complaining. I was basically using him for balance anyway.

"Alec, Renesmee!" Our names were hollered a matter of moments after entering the house; in a choir of voices.

Alec's arm let go of mine, and I was just about to ask why; when I realized.

Gary was standing with his arms open. I was supposed to be acting in as his girlfriend. Alec couldn't be seen... Close to me, really. It would give the impression that I wasn't entirely loyal; and I'd get a reputation for myself. That was the last thing I wanted, but even more than that... I didn't want to let go of Alec.

With a heavy sigh, and a fake smile; I followed after Alec through the people. I was positive I had stood on at least three peoples feet as I tried to shimmy through them. Of course I apologized. What civilized person wouldn't?

That was all that was escaping my lips as I made my way there. "I'm sorry. Excuse me. Sorry... Oh, sorry."

As soon as I was close enough, Gary took me in his arms and embraced me tightly.

I nuzzled my head into his chest, savoring the sweet smell of cologne he had obviously bathed himself in. "You weren't that long!" Gary spoke over the loud music.

"We didn't talk long! It wasn't that important! He just wanted to know if I was okay!"

"How sweet!" Gary pulled back and bobbed along with the music. Come to think of it, most of them were. Alec and I were the only ones standing still. But like an infection, Gary's moved worked on me and I found myself swaying to the tune also.

The crowd that we were standing in was made up of Gary, Charlie, Grant, Louis and and Claire. In the middle of the room dancing, I could see the twins - Matty and Jason dancing with their girlfriends. Grant, Louis, Charlie and Claire were talking to Alec - not that he seemed all that interested. He wasn't ignorant enough to ignore them, however. He'd speak when spoken too; but I guessed the stench of booze was causing him to look away from their faces.

"Did I miss anything?!" I called over the music.

Gary shrugged his shoulders. "Not really. Grant keeps asking Charlie to dance, but she's got a date she wants to dance with first apparently!"

Charlie had a date? Well, that was good. I grinned at him, and he returned the smile. "I know, right?! Finally!"

I knew what he meant. He didn't want to string Charlie along; but he didn't have the heart to reject her either. He really was a nice guy...

"D'you want a drink?!" Gary asked; but I shook my head. Nope, nope, nope, nope. Not happening.

"C'mon Alec!"

I glanced over my shoulder to Charlie pulling at his arm. "You did say so!"

Alec's eyes connected with mine, and I could see everything.

The date Gary had said Charlie has... Was him.

Alec was dragged out onto the dance floor, and I was left standing beside Gary.

"You sure you don't want a drink now?" Gary whispered into my ear.

Boy, I wanted a lot more than a freaking drink; but I was an adult now. I could handle this. I shook my head, and looked up to him. "I'd prefer a dance!"

"Gladly, girlfriend." He winked, and took hold of my hand. He pushed his red cup into Grant's chest and twirled me out into the dance floor. If Alec had a date tonight, then so the hell did I. At least mine was real!

Gary had some real moves. He swayed, he pelvic thrusted and he danced himself into an oblivion. It was hard enough for me to try keep up on flat feet, never mind heels. Eventually, a group surrounding us began to join in; and Gary and I weren't the only two dance partners. He had turned, and was dancing with some... Good looking, nerdy looking guy with thick glasses and a little black stubble on his chin. I was face to face with a girl with luminous blue hair and paint on her face; waving her cup in the air to the uptempo beat.

A squeeze on my hips stole my attention from this obvious raving girl. Hands slinked their way around my waist, and a chest pressed itself against my back. They guided my hips with theirs, and I couldn't help but grin. These hands were stern, demanding and controlling.

There was only one person I knew who could control me. He must've ditched the red headed, green eyed beauty for me! My stomach fluttered, and I turned to question him, or more or less tease him; but the smile fell from my face fell when I saw who it was.

Bright blue eyes stared back at me, and a charmingly boyish smile was in full swing.

"Hello beautiful."

"Finn..."

My eyes focused behind him, and in the crowd of heads; I could see Alec standing at the far back with Lana at his side; glaring at me.

A/N:

Sorry for the delay, folks! Internet problems arose just as I was going to upload it.

Thankfully, here it is now!

Leave a review, they make me happy!

I love you, take it easy.

-C.H