Emmett Cullen did his best not to worry about things that were out of his control and he was known to listen only to his instincts and make rash decisions. That didn't mean he was any less surprised when he found himself pulling into Kit's driveway, early Monday morning. He had borrowed one of the many 'spare' cars that his family kept in their huge garage. It was nice and sleek. Silver in color, a shade darker than Edward's Volvo.

While he had prepared to leave the house a whole hour before his siblings, Alice had given a little giggle and a smirk from her place on Jasper's lap. Rosalie had offered a shaky, tentative smile. Edward was probably wallowing in angst somewhere, and Esme and Carlisle had looked wary, but happy.

Perhaps the wariness from his adoptive parents was due to the fact that his last interactions with human girls hadn't gone well. He couldn't exactly remember what the girls had looked like. They smelled too good and he couldn't focus on any of his other senses. Emmett had drained each of them within' seconds. He had never felt so out of control in his life than in those moments. Not even when he was going through his newborn phase. He had felt extremely guilty at first and continued to in the several occasions he had tasted human blood, but he tried not to think about it. The feeling rarely made itself known as eternity was a long time to wallow in guilt.

Would Kit be able to accept that when she found out? That he had once been a monster who drained the life of innocents?

His control was a lot better now and thankfully, Kit's scent wasn't overwhelming. She smelled like white tea and chamomile. It made his throat burn, but he also found her scent soothing. Jasper had commented that he found Kit's scent easier to be around and that only increased Kit's points in Alice's book, but his little sister still found time to harass Edward about Bella which he found to be quite the entertainment on days he was bored.

He climbed out of the car, smoothing down his black turtleneck before he approached the door, knocking only a few times. From what he could hear, Kit's family had just finished breakfast. Someone was doing the dishes—Kit's mother, he guessed and another male who Emmett assumed to be Kit's father was helping her put them away.

Small footsteps rushed to the door and the lock was turned before it was flung open, revealing a wide-eyed child with long dirty blonde hair.

Upon seeing Emmett, Indigo's eyes became even wider and she gasped, "Biiiig..." she drawled out.

Emmett smirked and he knelt down to appear less intimidating. He wasn't sure how to deal with children, but he figured he could try his best to not scare the small thing or traumatize her.

"Hello," he said with a smile, "You must be Indigo, Kit's sister."

Indigo gnawed on her lower lip, clutching the door tightly with both hands, "M'not supposed to talk to strangers, Mister."

'Smart kid,' Emmett thought. He nodded, but before he could respond, Indigo had slammed the door in his face and relocked it. He could hear her running back towards the kitchen and shouting for her parents.

Well, so much for not scaring her.

"Indigo Paige," a female voice scolded from inside, "I told you to wait for me. You know better than to answer the door on your own."

By the time the door opened again, Emmett had straightened up from his crouched position and he ran a hand through his curly hair.

"Hello," the woman greeted, holding Indigo's hand, "May I help you?"

"Good morning, ma'am," Emmett smiled again, "I'm Emmett Cullen. Is Kit here?"

The woman in front of him smiled so big, that Emmett was worried her face would break. She bounced on her toes and ushered him inside to avoid the rain. He hesitated, but did as he was bid, following her inside. He had borrowed Edward's cellphone, and he prayed that Alice was watching, right now. That she would call if she saw something go wrong.

"I'm Everly, Kit's mother," the woman gushed, "I've heard quite a bit about you!"

Emmett raised his eyebrows. Kit had spoken about him?

"Have you?" he inquired, "Good things, I hope?"

"Very good things," Everly promised, leading him through the living room and to the kitchen, "Don't hit your head."

Emmett chuckled in response and ducked. The kitchen was bigger than the living room, the counters granite and the floor sleek hardwood. There were six burners on the stove and the oven was large, a smaller one underneath it. The cabinets were painted white and near the back wall of the kitchen was a table suited for six.

"You have a beautiful home," Emmett remarked.

"Thank you, honey," Everly beamed and looked over her shoulder to the man standing at the sink, "Blake, come say hello."

"Hello," Blake greeted, wiping his hands. He held one out, "Blake Algren."

Emmett shook his hand with the lightest and shortest touch possible, "Emmett Cullen. It's very nice to meet you, sir."

"Ah," Blake nodded knowingly, narrowing his eyes, "You're-

"Blake..." Everly said warningly. She turned to Indigo, "Sweetie, did you say hello?"

"Hi," Indigo beamed up at him, radiating happiness much like her older sister, "You're huge!"

"Indigo Paige," Everly hissed. She looked up at Emmett, "I'm sorry, Emmett."

Emmett however, laughed loudly, not at all offended. He liked this kid, "So, I've heard, kiddo. You know, Kit talks about you, a lot."

"Does she?" Indigo gasped.

Emmett nodded, seeing the approving look Everly sent him, "Mhm. She says that you're her best friend, that you have tea parties together, and that you like to collect seashells. You have tons, don't you?"

Indigo nodded and grinned, "What else, what else!?"

Everly placed her hand atop her daughter's head, "Indi, you're going to bounce out of your shoes."

Indigo giggled, but settled down, remaining by her mother's side.

"So, Emmett," Blake grumbled, "What can we do for you?"

"I came to offer Kit a ride to school," Emmett explained, "With your permission of course, Mr. Algren."

"Blake," he corrected. He was never fond of formalities, "How long have you had your license? Any speeding tickets, problems with the law, reckless driving?"

Emmett shook his head, "I've had my license for two years, now. No speeding tickets or any problem with the law. I do my best to make my family proud and would never jeopardize that by getting into trouble."

Technically, he had just never gotten caught. He was sure his family had broken so many laws, even a life sentence wouldn't be enough to satiate it—not that a measly jail cell could hold them, but he didn't need to mention that. No, he knew his part as human down to the smallest detail. It was perfect.

"Honey, would you like something to eat?" Everly asked kindly, "A muffin, coffee, anything?"

"No, thank you," Emmett declined, "I ate before I came."

"Kit?" Everly called, slapping a hand over Blake's mouth before he could ask another question, "Kit, come down here, please."

Indigo shrieked out a laugh at her mother and Blake gently shoved his wife's hand away, pecking her on the cheek before he went back to doing the dishes.

"Sorry, mom. I was looking over new music and I had my headphones..." Kit trailed off and her eyes widened, "Emmett?"

"Good morning, Kit," Emmett turned to face her, "How are you this morning?"

"I-I," Kit stuttered, hoping that the surprise wasn't too obvious on her face, "Good morning. Um, I-I'm fine, thank you," she told him, "Sorry, but...how long have you been here? I hope I didn't keep you waiting?"

"Don't worry, I haven't been here long," Emmett promised, "Your parents and I were simply introducing ourselves."

Kit blushed, "I-I see. Um..."

Emmett snickered at how fluttered she was. She was so cute. She was wearing a long-sleeved pristine white turtleneck sweater, a red, black and white classic pleated plaid school skirt that almost touched her ankles, and simple black wide square heels with giant bows on the front. In her hair she wore a silver paste butterfly hairpin.

"I was wondering if you'd like a ride to school?" Emmett held up his car keys.

"Now?" Kit asked. Her eyes flicked over when Blake snorted, but he along with the rest of her family were pretending to do the dishes. She had only been downstairs for a minute or so, but it was the plate she had seen her mother wash when she had first excused herself to go upstairs.

Emmett chuckled, "Well, school does start soon. If you prefer to drive yourself, then that's all right."

"No," Kit shook her head, regaining her composure, "A ride would be lovely. Thank you, Emmett."

"Wait!" Blake cried, causing Kit to jump, "Turn around, Kit Kat."

Kit frowned, but did as she was told, "Like this?"

"Perfect," Blake took out his own cellphone, pressed a few buttons, and then the shutter went off, "Don't move, Emmett."

"Yes, Sir," Emmett stood perfectly still.

"Daddy?" Kit asked, her frown deepening, "What are you-

"Excuse me for a moment," Blake patted Kit's head as he walked by her and out the front door.

"Mom?" Kit arched an eyebrow, hoping she could get an answer.

Everly managed a small smile, "He's just taking precaution. You know, just in case..."

"In case…?" Kit pushed.

The front door closed and Blake came back into the kitchen, pocketing his cellphone.

"What was outside?" Kit asked, looking behind her and then back, "Were you taking more pictures?"

"Of the car," Blake nodded. He looked at Emmett, "I have your license plate—front and back—and a full body picture of both you and my daughter. I don't want you trying anything funny. You will be found."

"Yes, Sir," Emmett nodded again. The thought of being found by a human was hilarious, but he understood Blake's motives behind the pictures. Here he was, a large 69-year-old vampire (or an eighteen-year-old guy if he went by his false birth certificate) asking to drive Blake's daughter to school. He was sure it sounded fishy, but he had no intentions other than good ones.

Kit wasn't at all bothered by what her father had done and simply smiled, "Can I go with Emmett, then?"

"I want you to text me or your mother as soon as you arrive at the school," Blake said firmly, "Do I make myself clear?"

"Crystal," Kit promised with a nod.

"And if you would like to talk to my father," Emmett spoke up, "He works as the Chief Surgeon at Forks General. I promise, I would never hurt Kit and I have no plans to kidnap her. I have a test in Calculus, today."

Everly and Indigo laughed, but Blake looked less than amused.

"It's fine with me," Everly interjected, "But be safe. Kit, honey? Why don't you go get a jacket? You know how cold it gets and it will probably rain."

"Yes, mother," Kit nodded and smiled shyly, "I'll be right back."

"I'll be right here," Emmett promised.

Kit scrunched up her nose, "Daddy..."

"I'll keep him under control," Everly promised thorough Indigo's giggles, "Indi, too."

Indigo nodded her head in confirmation and Kit shot her father one more glance before she turned on her heel and walked back upstairs to fetch her jacket.

Blake sighed loudly and leaned his elbows on the counter, "Why don't you tell us about yourself, Emmett? What's your home life like?"

"Well, I'm eighteen and I live with all four of my adoptive and foster siblings," Emmett started, shoving his hands into his pockets, "My adoptive mom and dad took me in a long time ago when my parents were...unable to take care of me. My family and I all get along pretty well. My brothers and sisters—we all go to school together."

"I'm sorry about your situation," Blake said sincerely.

Emmett nodded, "It's okay. Carlisle and Esme have been my parents for awhile, now."

"You do well in school?" Everly asked hopefully.

"Straight 'A's," Emmett said proudly.

"Any hobbies?" Everly asked before Blake could open his mouth.

"Ahh," Emmett scratched the back of his neck, sheepishly, "Not much. I'll play baseball with my family, wrestle around and stuff. But I love playing chess or video games with my family too."

"Family is important to you," Blake stated.

"Yes," Emmett nodded, his face serious, "Very much so."

Everly hummed in satisfaction, "How lovely. You don't smoke or drink?"

"No, ma'am," Emmett shook his head.

Blake cleared his throat, getting the attention back to him, "So, Emmett. You and my Kit are good friends?"

"Good friends," Emmett repeated. He nodded slowly, "Yes, friends. We eat lunch together on occasion."

"Do you liiiiiike, her?" Indigo teased, giggling behind her hand.

"Shhhh," Emmett placed a finger to his lips, winking, "It's a secret."

Indigo shrieked out another laugh and Emmett forced a smile. A question from a tiny little eight-year-old shouldn't have caused all these feelings to stir up in him. Sure, he liked Kit. He didn't think he was in love with her, but he could see himself falling for her. Right now, it was a small crush. Medium-sized at best. Yes, only medium-sized…

At least, that's what he told himself.

Kit couldn't believe that Emmett had shown up at her house. She didn't mind, not at all. In fact, she was impressed that he had shown up to meet her parents just to ask permission if he could drive her to school. It was very old-fashioned and through Blake's cold demeanor, Kit could tell that he approved. Her mother definitely did.

"Y-you drive fast," Kit squeaked out, gripping onto the windowsill, "Are you sure you weren't lying about getting any speeding tickets?"

Emmett winced and forced himself to slow down to seventy-five. That was like a snail's pace to him, but he needed to learn to slow down and control himself if he was going to continue to be around Kit. Especially because she didn't know what he was yet.

"Is that better?" he asked hopefully.

Kit nodded, relaxing her grip, "You do this often?"

"Never get caught," Emmett bragged, "We all do it. Even my father."

"Why, though?" Kit asked curiously, "There's not much traffic here."

"My whole family likes to...indulge in fast cars," Emmett explained. He hesitated with his next words, but said them anyway, "It's an inside joke."

"You seem to have a lot of those," Kit said bluntly. She fixed one of the pins in her hair to distract herself.

Emmett smirked, "Yeah," he nodded once, "I'll tell you about them one day."

"Really?" Kit asked, shocked.

"Promise," Emmett said, pulling into the school parking lot. He parked next to the spot Edward usually occupied and turned the heater up when he saw Kit shiver, "We're early."

Kit pulled out her phone, "Do you mind if I make a phone call?"

Emmett shook his head, "Go for it."

Knowing how her father's mind worked, Kit decided that calling would be easier. She went to her father's contact card and pressed the green button.

Blake answered almost immediately, his voice laced with panic, "Hello?"

"I'm at school, daddy," Kit said.

Blake paused, "You called me?"

"Yes," Kit drawled out.

"Why didn't you text me?" Blake demanded.

"Oh, Blake, stop it," Everly said from somewhere in the background.

"I thought you would like to hear my voice," Kit explained, "What if someone took my phone and forged a text message?"

"Look at you thinking outside the box," Blake praised, a grin in his voice, "Very well. Come home straight after school, okay?"

"Yes," Kit promised, "I will."

"Okay, have a nice day at school," Blake said, "Learn something."

Kit grinned, "No promises, but I'll try."

"Let me know if you need us to come pick you up," Blake said firmly, "Bye, Kit Kat."

"I will. Bye, daddy," Kit hung up the phone and returned it to her bag after switching it on to vibrate.

She glanced out the window. The parking lot was practically empty, the only sound was the rain pattering gently on the roof of the car. She leaned her head back against the headrest and closed her eyes.

"This is nice," she breathed, her entire body relaxing. Her eyes fluttered open and she breathed in the sweet smell that permeated the car, "Can I ask you something?"

Emmett shrugged, "Shoot."

Kit focused her gaze on the smooth black dashboard, "Why did you come to my house, today?"

"To drive you to school," Emmett said, but he knew that wasn't the answer she was looking for.

Kit finally moved to look at him, "Yes, but why?"

Emmett sighed, leaning his own head against the headrest. He closed his eyes for a moment. He didn't understand how Edward could stay away from Bella the way he was. Especially the way the girl smelled. It was so much easier to just go with the flow. To accept the feelings—to listen to Alice, actually. While a part of him was irritated at how soft and human he was acting, another part simply didn't give a crap. Esme would be proud of him. A lot of her things in the house would now be preserved. He was learning control, which meant they would be able to stay longer. He couldn't count the number of times the family had to relocate because of him. He wasn't one to dwell on feelings of negativity, such as guilt, but he hated the look on Rosalie's face when they had to pack up and leave.

Now, how could he make this sound not so cliché and without giving away his secret? God, he was glad his brothers weren't around. They would hound him for centuries if they were to overhear this. Of course, he would just kick their asses, but that was beside the point.

"Forgive me," he started slowly, "I'm not as eloquent as the rest of my family. Kit, you're cute, funny, and smart. I love the way you scrunch up your nose and you're not afraid to be blunt, or speak your mind. I love your freckles and the light that lives in your eyes. You're determined, selfless, and caring. You try to find the positive in everything and you keep a constant smile on your face. You're musical, open-minded and I love that about you. Though, you have this habit of biting your nails and an awful habit of over-apologizing. You're organization-crazy and I swear it tests my sanity. It gets on my nerves here and there, but Kit Algren, it's been a pleasure getting to know you these last few weeks and I hope I can continue getting to know you."

Kit could feel the heat rising to her cheeks and her heart sped up in a mixture of wonder and embarrassment. Emmett had really noticed all those things about her? He had paid that much attention? Wow…

"As cliché and peculiar as this sounds," Emmett continued softly, "You've awakened new feelings in me and I'm finding it..." he struggled to find the right word. He usually wasn't so proper or mushy, "I would like to see more of you."

"Oh..." Kit winced at how awkward and strangled that came out. She hadn't meant it that way, but they way he had worded it sounded off.

Emmett's booming laugh filled the car and he shook his head. From looking through the black veil of his human memories, he gathered that he had been somewhat of a womanizer, but he wanted his future relationship with Kit to last a long time...forever and she was someone who deserved to be treated like a proper lady instead of a cheap hookup.

"Let me try again," Emmett smiled, "In simple and blatant terms: I like you and I was wondering if you would do me the honors of accompanying me on a date?"

Kit's eyes danced to every corner and she played with a loose thread on her sweater. Emmett had asked her on date. He liked her. It wasn't like when Tyler had asked her on date and she had been a bit uncomfortable. No, this was different. That pull in her chest was still there, but it wasn't as bad. It was fine, now. But, she did have butterflies in her stomach. Good butterflies.

Seeing that Emmett was waiting for an answer, she looked over at him and smiled shyly, "A date sounds wonderful."

Emmett closed his eyes for a moment, relieved. He wasn't sure what he was expecting, maybe for Kit to say no. Maybe for Kit to be scared and run out of the car. He found it hard to believe that she didn't find him scary. Everyone found him scary. Heck, people found Alice scary. He thought of warning Kit how dangerous he really was. That he was lethal, but he just couldn't find the words. No, not yet.

Asking Kit on a date had been another rash and thoughtless decision and he wondered if Alice had seen it. Perhaps she had known all along and that was the reason for her mischievous laughter before he had taken leave of the house.

He'd have to plan a date that didn't involve food and he would have to check with Alice about the weather. Ah, the perks of having a sister who saw the future.

"My parents like you," Kit said softly, breaking the comfortable silence.

Emmett looked at her disbelievingly, "Even your father?"

Kit laughed softly, "He'll take some time to warm up to you, but he likes that you came to the house and asked for permission."

"If you say so," Emmett breathed. He reached for the heater knob, "Are you warm enough?"

Kit nodded, "Yes, thank you."

Cars were starting to pull into the parking lot and Emmett chuckled when he saw Edward's car park next to him.

"What's funny?" Kit asked.

"My siblings," Emmett told her, "Alice will be happy about our date."

"Will she?" Kit smiled, "Aww, that's sweet. She's such a gem."

Emmett opened his door, "We should get out of the car before she drags us out. Sit tight."

Kit blushed, but nodded, shifting in her seat as Emmett went around to open her door for her. She accepted the hand that he held out, gasping sharply when she was hauled to her feet. Her head spun and she placed her free hand on his chest for balance, fighting the spots in her vision.

Emmett winced. Too fast. Way too fast.

"Are you okay?" he asked frantically.

Kit blinked a few times and closed her eyes, her grip tightening on his shirt, "M-mhm. Yes, I-I think—wow, y-you're strong."

"You have no idea," Emmett mumbled. He used his free hand to touch her cheek, "You sure you're okay?"

"Y-yes," Kit opened her eyes, "Really, I-I'm fine, now. I was a tad dizzy. Head rush."

Emmett hesitantly released Kit, keeping his hands hovering in case she wasn't steady, "You're sure? Positive?"

"I'm fine, now, Emmett," Kit promised, chuckling, "Really, thank you for driving me."

"Anytime," Emmett mumbled, clearly still worried. At least he hadn't broken any of her bones.

Across the parking lot, a Freshman boy tripped over his untied shoelaces and dropped his books, cursing when a few of his papers scattered.

"Oh no," Kit winced, touching Emmett's arm, "I'm going to go help, but I'll see you after school?

Emmett nodded and he watched as she ran off, her heels clicking against the cement. She beamed at the Freshman and began to gather up the books, chatting to him the whole time.

"You drove her to school?" Edward asked disbelievingly.

Emmett arched an eyebrow, "I can assume that's a rhetorical question?"

"Who are you and what have you done with my real brother? Usually you're much more of an insensitive jerk," Edward said.

"Kit's making me soft," Emmett winced and then grinned, clapping his brother on the back, "Don't worry, bro, I'll be back soon. It's part of my natural state."

Rosalie pursed her lips, "You reek like humans. Are you sure picking her up is all you did?"

Emmett shot her a disapproving look, "I met her family."

"You did?" Jasper asked, surprised, "And they're still alive?"

Emmett rolled his eyes. Sometimes, he questioned whether or not Rosalie and Jasper were really just passing as twins.

"Isn't her sister the cutest thing?" Alice gushed, "By the way, it will be sunny, next week. Monday and Tuesday."

"And we'll be hunting this Friday and Saturday," Edward interjected.

'Hell yeah, we are,' Emmett thought, nodding. He was very eager for bear season, 'You better not cancel on me, kid.'

"Wouldn't dream of it," Edward said, clearly distracted, "We won't be back until midnight, Sunday."

"You'll have to find another time for your date," Rosalie snapped, "Too bad."

Emmett opened his mouth to give a rude retort, but he closed his mouth when he heard the sound of Kit's loud laughter. He turned his head and saw the girl dragging Bella by the arm. The two were the same height, but Kit was taller in heels.

"Bella, it will be so much fun," Kit looked over her shoulder, grinning, "Come on, out of the almost month that we've known each other, have I given you a reason to doubt me?"

"No," Bella said honestly, "But I'm really bad at sports. If I fall, you'll come down with me."

Kit simply laughed at that and shook her head, "If we're partners, then Mike will leave you alone. I know he's been bothering you."

"Okay," Bella said immediately, flushing scarlet, "But if I hit you in the face..."

Kit laughed, louder this time and even Bella cracked a smile, shaking her head.

"She's like another you," Edward looked at Alice, "A little less irritating, though."

Alice childishly stuck her tongue out and then looked at Edward, "Edward, I love you dearly, but for once, why can't you be more like Emmett? I want to talk to Bella."

"You have Kit," Edward pointed out.

Alice huffed, "That doesn't mean I don't miss Bella. You're so depressed all the time. I'm concerned."

Edward snorted, "You sound like Esme."

"Well, it's true," Alice said firmly, "How many times do I have to tell you? The future is set. You won't be able to stay away from her."

Edward shrugged, almost carelessly, "I've done a good job, so far."

"Yes, you're constant misery is such a prize," Emmett joked, "Congratulations."

Edward growled at him before he stalked away, leaving his siblings to stare after him. Rosalie's thoughts were still furious, so he tried his best to stay out of her head.

Emmett had changed and Edward found it extremely annoying. He would never admit it, but he was sort of jealous of Emmett's new found happiness. He was shocked, too. He thought Emmett would be more like him when Alice revealed his future: doing his best to stay away, trying to change things.

But he should have known better. Emmett was the type to take things in stride. To accept things without much question and Emmett had definitely done so with Kit. He didn't seem to care much that Kit would most likely become a vampire. Then again, Emmett had been perfectly fine with his transformation and didn't see it as an abomination. Kit becoming one of them would make things easier for the both of them and that's what Emmett cared about. The burly vampire didn't think much when it came to consequences.

Edward sighed heavily, running a hand over his face. He really couldn't wait for the hunting trip on Friday.

It was on Kit's way into her second class when Lauren crashed into her, spilling iced coffee all over the front of Kit's white sweater.

"Lauren!" Kit cried, jumping back.

Lauren gasped, her hand dramatically going to cover her mouth, "Oh my gosh, Kit, I'm so sorry. You should really learn to watch where you're going. Hold on, let me get some paper towels. Mr. Varner can you throw this away for me, please?"

Mr. Varner sighed and took the cup, eying the two girls with botheration, "This is exactly why we do not allow drinks in class, Ms. Mallory."

"Sorry," Lauren smiled, accepting the bundle of paper towels from the math teacher, "Low blood sugar. Here, Kit, maybe it will come out."

Kit took the paper towels, "Thanks, Lauren," she whispered.

"No problem," Lauren smirked, placing a hand on Kit's shoulder. She pouted, "Why haven't you been answering my text messages? I thought we were friends?"

Kit eyes widened and she didn't hesitate to nod when Lauren's fingers tightened. Right, Mr. Varner was still watching, "I-I thought it might have been you, but I didn't recognize the number. I'll do that next time. Answer...yo-your text messages."

"Great!" Lauren grinned, bouncing on her toes, "Well, I have to get to class. See you later, Kit."

"Bye," Kit whispered, flinching when Lauren bumped her shoulder.

Mr. Varner sighed again and placed a ton of paper towels where some coffee had gotten on the floor.

"Mr. Varner, may I go to the restroom?" Kit begged, the towels becoming sticky in her hands, "Please?"

"You may," Mr. Varner nodded, "Try not to take too long. Class, watch out for the paper towels! There was an accident."

A few people sniggered at Kit's appearance and she kept her head down as she hurried to the closest bathroom. She had a nagging suspicion that it had been Lauren text messaging her and she was surprised that the blonde had admitted it. Maybe Lauren had done so because she knew that Kit had no plans on telling anyone.

Once she was in the bathroom and after making sure that she was alone, Kit looked into the fingerprint-spotted mirror. She groaned. The stain was a lot worse than she had anticipated. Almost the entire front of her sweater had a dark brown stain on it and she could feel the fabric start to stick to her skin.

She tried with no success to get the stain out of her sweater and things only continued to get worse when she felt her throat tighten and her eyes sting. She was about to cry.

She couldn't tell if it was the bullying finally getting to her or if it was the fact that her grandmother's sweater was now ruined. Maybe it was both. Either way, Kit wasn't sure what to do about either situation. She felt trapped. Like a sitting duck. But things would get better, she was sure of it. They just had to.

Sniffling, Kit wiped her eyes and threw the damp paper towel away. It was no use, but she grabbed another one.

"Look at me," she whispered to herself, allowing a tear to fall down her face before she wiped it away, "I can't walk around like this."

The door opened and Kit jumped, sniffling one last time and rubbing her eyes again before she concentrated too hard on her reflection and getting the stain out to no avail. She prayed it wasn't Lauren or any of her clique coming in to tease her.

"That's not going to come out, ya' know."

Kit met a pair of dark brown eyes in the mirror. Standing slightly behind her was a girl with olive brown skin, straight black hair with blue undertones that fell to her lower back. She had roundish-almond eyes, and a straight-edged nose. She was thin and 5'3, wearing an olive-green scoop-neck shirt and black leggings.

"I k-know," Kit said shakily. She threw out the paper towel and pursed her lips, willing herself not to start crying again.

"I'm in your Algebra class," the girl said, "And I sit next to you in English. I'm in your Biology class too, but I sit in the back and you sit towards the front."

Kit's teary eyes lit up with recognition and she nodded, "Oh, yes. I'm sorry, I recognize you, now."

"I'm Willa," she introduced, "Willa Korai."

"Kit Algren," another tear slid down her face and lowered her head, wiping it away before Willa could see.

"You look ridiculous," Willa said. There was a tiny lilt of an accent behind her voice.

Kit flicked her eyebrows up. Is this why Willa had come in? To make fun of her?

"Hold on a minute," Willa pulled her dark brown backpack from her shoulder and unzipped it, "Take off your sweater."

Kit frowned, finally turning to face her, "Pardon?"

Willa flicked her eyebrows up much like Kit had done, "Your sweater?" she said as if talking to a three-year-old, "Take it off."

Kit hesitated, looking at Willa oddly. After a minute, she shrugged and pulled off her sweater, leaving her clad in her light pink bra.

"Cute bra," Willa commented.

"Thank you," Kit cleaned off her stomach with another paper towel and threw it away. She folded up her sweater as neatly as she could and placed it in her bag.

"Here," Willa held out a black shirt, "We have different body-types, but I think it should fit."

Kit held up the shirt. It was a ¾ sleeve scoopneck.

"I'm a dancer," Willa explained, seeing the look on Kit's face, "And I have class, tonight. I usually put that on over my leotard when it's over, but I can survive a day without it."

Kit looked at her, "Are you sure?"

Willa nodded, "Ever hear of the girl code? Besides, I owe you. You gave me your notes in English, remember? Got my grade back up to a 'A'."

"Yes, I remember," Kit said, "After the chapter quiz."

Willa chuckled, "Unless you want to to walk around in your bra all day, you should probably put that shirt on on. Actually, a lot of guys would probably be happy if you didn't."

"Ugh," Kit scrunched up her nose in disgust and pulled the shirt over her head, adjusting it, "Thank you so much, Willa. Really, this means a lot."

Willa waved her off, "I'm sure you'd do the same for me. Though, I'm not sure I'd be caught dead wearing what you do."

Kit could hear the playful tone in Willa's voice and she shrugged, "Most people wouldn't."

Seeing the unshed tears built up in Kit's eyes, Willa's expression changed to one that was softer. She had been sitting at the desk she shared with some other girl when Kit came in. Willa had seen the annoying smirk on Lauren Mallory's face as she subtly loosened the flimsy plastic top from her drink and walked straight into Kit.

The false bravado Lauren had put on for Mr. Varner was laughable and Willa wondered if the math teacher really bought it, or if he saw through it, but chose to ignore it. Most teachers did. They were tired, hands cramped and stained with red ink from grading papers. Coffee ran through their veins and they had no time to deal with drama or get involved. That would only include more work for them and that didn't include overtime.

"You should tell someone," Willa suggested, "About Lauren."

"There's nothing to tell," Kit mumbled.

"Your tone is so convincing," Willa remarked sarcastically.

Kit shook her head, blotting her eyes with a paper towel, trying to get the redness to go down, "I just—I don't want to talk about it," she whispered.

"Okay," Willa relented, "But...even if it's just your boyfriend or something. It might help to tell someone."

"My what?" Kit asked, frowning.

"Your boyfriend?" Willa repeated.

"I don't have a boyfriend," Kit murmured.

"Oh," Willa looked embarrassed, "I thought you were dating Emmett Cullen?"

Dating? True, Emmett had asked Kit out on a date, but that hadn't even happened yet.

"He's not my boyfriend," Kit said quietly.

"Huh," Willa shrugged, dropping it, "Well, you should still tell someone, don't you think?"

"I don't know," Kit whispered, "Maybe..."

Seeing Kit's reluctance to talk, Willa sighed, "We should get back to class. Mr. Varner is going to think that we ditched."

Kit nodded in agreement and followed Willa out of the bathroom, "Thanks again."

"Don't mention it," Willa smiled, "You sure you're okay?"

Kit bit her lip and gave a quick nod, "Fine. I'm fine."

Willa eyed Kit with disbelief, but didn't comment.

Instead, Kit changed to another topic, "Where do you eat lunch?"

"Mrs. Goff let's me eat in her classroom," Willa grinned, "I do my work in there and on really good days, she'll let me push around the desks and I'll practice, but don't tell anyone I told you."

"Is that part of the girl code?" Kit asked.

Willa laughed. Her laugh was inappropriately loud, but it didn't seem like she cared.

"Yeah, something like that," Willa told her.

With that said, Willa opened the door, allowing Kit to go in first before she followed.

"Ah, Ms. Algren, Ms. Korai," Mr. Varner greeted, "How nice of you to grace us with your presence."

Willa rolled her eyes and went to her seat, while Kit said nothing as she approached her own. She hooked her bag over the chair and pulled out her textbook and her spiral notebook, flipping to an empty page, a smile on her face.

After school, Kit found Emmett waiting for her at his car, though he met her halfway and walked the rest of the way with her.

"Did you change your clothes?" Emmett asked, pinching the fabric gingerly between his fingers.

"Only my top," Kit mumbled, "I bumped into someone before math and got coffee all over it. A girl—Willa gave me her spare shirt."

"That was nice of her," Emmett smiled, "Did you get the stain out?"

"Mm, no," Kit shook her head, "It's white. I'll probably have to throw it out if bleaching doesn't work."

"I bet Alice can get the stain out," Emmett suggested.

"Oh, that's all right," Kit declined with a smile, "I don't want to be trouble."

"It's no trouble at all!"

Kit jumped, squeaking when Alice wrapped herself around Kit's free arm. She looked down at the pixie-like girl and chuckled, "Hello, Alice. Hello, Jasper. You startled me."

Alice smiled, her free hand laced with Jasper's who walked beside her, "I'm sorry. Now, about your shirt."

"Really, Alice, it's fine," Kit promised.

"Nonsense," Alice took the bag from Kit's shoulder and dug through it until she found the folded up clothing, "Here it is! No need for the precious clothing to suffer."

"You might as well give in," Jasper suggested with an amused smile, "She's not going to give up until you do."

"Okay," Kit chuckled, "Good luck. Thank you, Alice."

"You're welcome," Alice handed Kit back her bag, "I suppose I should leave you and my brother alone, now."

Another kiss on the cheek from Alice, astonished Kit and she watched Alice walk away, talking softly to Jasper as she went. Kit saw Edward and Rosalie standing by the Volvo watching her and she moved her gaze to Emmett.

"I'm excited for our date," she admitted quietly.

Emmett smirked, "Me too. Does Wednesday after school sound all right?"

Kit eyes widened slightly. Wednesday? That was the day after tomorrow.

"That's soon," she said. Then, she smiled warmly at his shocked look, "Perfect!"

Emmett chuckled and nodded. Damn, he had landed himself one hell of a woman.

Approaching the car, he opened the passenger door for her and waited for her to get settled before he closed it. He turned towards his siblings who were sitting in Edward's car, "See you at home, yeah?"

Edward gave the barest nod of his head and Emmett nodded back, going to climb into the driver's side.

"How was your day?" Kit asked, crossing her ankles. She folded her hands inside her usual yellow jacket, "Anything interesting?"

"Seeing you," Emmett supplied with a cheeky grin.

Kit shot Emmett a look and shook her head, managing a small laugh, "How clever."

"Was that a pity laugh?" Emmett asked, pulling out of the parking lot.

"A little bit," Kit admitted, "I didn't think it would hurt."

"You were wrong," Emmett sighed dramatically, "You wound me, Kit Algren."

"That's too bad," Kit winced, "And I was really starting to like you. Is there anyway that I can make it up to you?"

Emmett pretended to think about it, "Just don't bail out on our date, Wednesday."

Kit hummed, "I think I can do that. It shouldn't be a problem."

"Great," Emmett grinned.

"Great," Kit echoed.